Yolo County Appoints New Health Officer

Dr. Ronald W. Chapman, the former head of California’s Department of Public Health, has been appointed Public Health Officer in Yolo County. Chapman takes over Monday, replacing Dr. Constance Cadwell who retired earlier this year.

Chapman held the state’s public health officer and director position from 2011 until January of 2015. His final year was a tumultuous time for the department as it faced criticism for failing to investigate thousands of complaints against nursing homes.

In addition to his work for the state, Chapman previously served as public health officer and deputy director of public health for Solano County, as well as chief medical officer for the nonprofit group Partnership HealthPlan. He also previously served on the faculty of the UC Davis Department of Family and Community Medicine.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as the Yolo County health officer,” Chapman said in a press release. “I look forward to working with the outstanding Yolo team to improve the health of communities throughout the county.”

Read more about Chapman’s appointment here.