For more information contact:
Frank Proto, Chair, Health and Human Services Committee, 277-4875; Martha Robertson, Chair of the Legislature, 274-5434 or 272-0584; County Administrator Joe Mareane, 274-5551
Frank Kruppa Appointed Public Health Director
(March 15, 2011)—The Tompkins County Legislature has confirmed the appointment of Frank Kruppa to the position of Public Health Director. The appointment of Kruppa to the top position in the County’s Health Department comes after a year-long national search to replace former Director Alice Cole. Kruppa currently serves as the County Health Officer and Administrator in Okeechobee County, Florida.
Mr. Kruppa (pron: KROO-pa) is a native of the Southern Tier and earned his bachelors degree in Environmental Studies from SUNY Binghamton. He received his Masters in Public Administration from Central Florida University.
His career has progressed rapidly through positions within the State of Florida, beginning as an environmental specialist and culminating in his current position as County Health Officer and Administrator, responsible for the operation of a $3.3 million health department.
“Frank has shown himself to be a dynamic leader, a skilled manager, and a passionate advocate for public health,” said Health and Human Services Committee Chair Frank Proto. “To a person, those involved in the search process have come away with a real enthusiasm for Frank’s ability to lead this important County department into a future that will present new challenges and opportunities.”
The search committee for the position included two members of the County Board of Health, two County legislators, the medical director of Cayuga Medical Center, the director of the Health Planning Council, the program director of the Finger Lakes Independence Center, the Commissioner of Social Services, the interim director of the Health Department, a Health Department staff member representing labor, and the County Administrator.
Last Tuesday, upon hearing the recommendation of the Search Committee, the County Board of Health unanimously recommended the appointment of Mr. Kruppa. The selection of the Public Health Director requires the recommendation of the Board of Health, appointment by the County Administrator, and confirmation by the County Legislature.
“Over the past year, we have undertaken a very methodical process to find the right person to lead this critically important department,” said County Administrator Joe Mareane. “Frank Kruppa stood out from a very distinguished group of candidates. I’m particularly pleased that the management and staff of the Health Department was strongly supportive of Mr. Kruppa’s candidacy for the position.”
“I greatly appreciate the work of the search committee in coming up with what all believe to be an excellent selection,” said Legislature Chair Martha Robertson. “It is clear to me that Frank understands the value and power of partnerships within an engaged community. I speak for the full Legislature in saying we look forward to working with Frank in the years ahead.”
Robertson also cited the excellent work of Interim Director Brenda Grinnell Crosby in managing the department in the absence of a permanent Director, and in the dedication of management and staff of the Health Department that has resulted in the maintenance of programs at a high level of quality throughout the transition period.
The Public Health Director position carries a starting annual salary of $87,310. Mr. Kruppa begins service with the County in mid-April.
(end)
Page updated: July 19, 2012 | Webmaster