#United States #Washington #Public Health #NACCHO #Dr. Patrick McGough

Dr. Patrick McGough Takes Over as NACCHO President

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Patrick McGough as the President of its Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term. Dr. McGough, widely known as Dr. Mac, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Public Health Officer at the Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County Health Department (OCCHD). He will officially take on his role starting July 1, 2026, and will continue to contribute to NACCHO as the Immediate Past President following his term on July 1, 2027.

In responding to his new position, Dr. McGough expressed his excitement about the opportunity to work alongside his colleagues, board members, and partners nationwide. He stated, "I am honored by the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, board members, and partners across the country to elevate their voices and further strengthen a unified and thriving public health community. NACCHO's legacy as a trusted leader in advancing and protecting local public health is one I am proud to represent. I am deeply committed to this work and look forward to leveraging NACCHO's platform to connect communities with critical resources and support systems that help them function and thrive as intended."

A Foundation of Experience

Dr. McGough brings to NACCHO a wealth of experience amassed over a remarkable 40-year career in clinical and community health. His expertise spans more than 25 years in public health and two decades in executive leadership positions. At OCCHD, he has played a significant role in various public health initiatives since joining in 2008, particularly in areas related to disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and community wellness. His appointment as CEO is just a highlight of a career dedicated to improving public health outcomes.

Lori Tremmel Freeman, who serves as the CEO of NACCHO, echoed the sentiment of optimism regarding Dr. McGough's leadership at this critical juncture. She remarked, "We are proud to welcome Dr. McGough as our new Board President. His effective leadership comes at a critical time, and his long-time experience in Oklahoma of strengthening the public health workforce and infrastructure in service to his community will contribute to supporting local health departments nationwide."

The NACCHO Board Structure

NACCHO’s leadership is supported by a Board of Directors that consists of four executive officers, which along with Dr. McGough includes:

• - Bisola Ojikutu, MD, MPH, FIDSA - President-Elect, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director at the Boston Public Health Commission, MA.
• - Renae Moch, MBA, FACMPE - Vice President, Public Health Director of Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, ND.
• - Damōn Chaplin, MBA - Immediate Past President, Health Commissioner at the City of Minneapolis Health Department, MN.

This diverse leadership team is crucial as NACCHO strives to advance public health policies and improve health outcomes across the country. The NACCHO Board of Directors is composed of 20 members, including local and tribal health officials who are elected by their peers. Their key responsibilities involve setting strategic directions, establishing the annual legislative agenda, approving policies, ensuring the attainment of annual goals, and providing oversight on financial matters. The Board also acts as the public representative of NACCHO’s membership in discussions surrounding policy and public health practice.

About NACCHO’s Mission

The National Association of County and City Health Officials represents over 3,300 local government health departments throughout the United States. These agencies play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting health and well-being within their respective communities. Their daily work encompasses addressing public health challenges and fostering initiatives that contribute to the overall quality of life among residents.
For those interested in learning more about NACCHO and its initiatives, more information is available on their official website: www.naccho.org.

Establishing health programs and services is imperative for community well-being, and NACCHO’s renewed leadership under Dr. McGough is expected to guide these efforts effectively over the coming term.