Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has appointed Epidemiologist Eve Walter as Director of Public Health, subject to confirmation by the County Legislature. With an extensive background in epidemiology, preventative healthcare and administrative leadership, she brings to the position a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to person-centered approaches to community health. As a former County Legislator, she also brings to the position a deep knowledge of County government operations and budget. Walter holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from SUNY Albany and a Master’s in Community Health from the Lehman College Department of Public Health. Her appointment to the position of Public Health Director has been approved by the New York State Commissioner of Health.

Walter is currently Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at AllianceChicago, and Associate Professor of Research at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine. As Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at AllianceChicago, Walter has been responsible for managing a portfolio of 30-35 healthcare research projects totaling more than $6 million in funding, managing a team of 14, handling strategic planning and partnerships, and working with over 30 medical institutions and the Center for Disease Control on public health initiatives. In her role as Associate Professor of Research, Walter has been responsible for healthcare research and quality improvement in partnership with numerous primary care physicians and nurses annually.

In addition to these roles, Walter has served as a consultant for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to address youth risk behaviors. She also served as Assistant Vice President of Population Health/Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Family Health, where she spearheaded primary care and population health initiatives around chronic disease management, health disparities, and maternal health. Walter has authored more than 30 academic papers addressing chronic disease, medication adherence, women’s health, health disparities, and injury/violence.

Additionally, Walter has valuable experience in County government, having served as an Ulster County Legislator representing New Paltz in 2020-2023, and in legislative leadership roles including Vice Chair of the Legislature in 2022-2023, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and as a representative for NYS Health Committee, both in 2022.

“I am thrilled to appoint Eve Walter as the new Director of Public Health,” said Ulster County Executive Metzger. “We undertook a rigorous interview and selection process for this important position, and she is clearly the best qualified to lead Ulster County’s Public Health Department. With 25 years of experience in the field of health research and evaluation, disparities research, and women’s health and gender equity research, her experience will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize the health and wellness of our communities across Ulster County.