County names new director for health department

Pam Harsh

McCOOK, Neb. -- Red Willow County, Nebraska, commissioners this morning accepted the recommendation of its health board advisory committee and approved the hiring of a McCook woman as the new director of the county health department.

During their weekly meeting today, commissioners accepted the health board's recommendation that Pamela Harsh take over as full-time health department director when the current director, Patricia Powers, retires Feb. 1, 2015.

Harsh will begin her training Jan. 16, 2015. She will be paid $34,000 a year, and benefits. Powers was paid $36,000 a year.

Powers said the department received about 15 applications for the position that will open up with her retirement. Applications were received and applicants were interviewed by the health board advisory committee made up of Misti Soderlund, Mary Beth Eisenmenger, Pam Klug and Powers. Powers told commissioners this morning, "There were some wonderful applicants. It was a hard decision."

Commissioners approved the appointment after returning to regular session after an 11-minute closed session.

Harsh is the former executive director of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and is currently the director of the Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation.

Commissioner Vesta Dack explained that, according to the Nebraska Department of Health, it is not necessary for a county health department director to have medical education or experience.