Politics & Government

City Names New Health and Human Services Director

A public health expert from Salt Lake City, UT was named the city's director of health and human services, City Manager Pat West announced July 29.

Kelly Colopy, who was praised for her leadership, replaces Ron Arias who retired in 2012, according to the press release.

“Kelly Colopy exemplifies the type of leadership we were looking for in a new health department director," West stated.  “She has demonstrated the ability to manage a complex set of responsibilities over the course of her career, and we are pleased to welcome her aboard the City's executive management team.”

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Colopy has 17 years of professional experience in the field of human services, and currently manages the public mental health network in Salt Lake County as network director for Optum Salt Lake County. She also has served as associate director of the Salt Lake County Human Services and Community Services Departments, according to the press release.

“My entire career thus far has reflected a personal commitment to working with communities and individuals to support successful and healthy living,” Colopy stated. “I am thrilled to be appointed the city’s next director of health and human services, and look forward to merging the enthusiasm I have for public health and human services with the city’s commitment to providing quality services.”

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Colopy, who will start her post on Sept. 9, holds a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science Smith College.

The Long Beach Health Department is one of only three city-operated local health jurisdictions in California.  Local provision of public health services allows the Health Department to tailor its programs to meet the specific public health and human service needs of Long Beach, according to the press release.


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