Fuddy Fills Post as New State Health Director

Loretta Fuddy.

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie yesterday appointed Loretta Fuddy as the state’s new Director of the Department of Health. Fuddy fills the vacancy created by the resignation of previous gubernatorial nominee Neal Palafox.

Recognized as a leader in the public health field, Fuddy, 62, previously served as the Chief of the Family Health Services Division, and most recently as Acting Health Director.

“In her short time as Acting Director at the Department of Health, Loretta has begun making progress in restoring critical government function and moving in a new direction,” said Governor Abercrombie. “I have complete confidence in Loretta and her team’s ability to rebuild our public health system,” said the governor.

Fuddy said she was honored and up to the challenge ahead saying, “It is very exciting to be a part of this Administration as we move forward on health initiatives to better serve the state.”

Fuddy has degrees in sociology, social work, and public health from the University of Hawai’i and Johns Hopkins University. She has served as Chair of the Hawai’i Public Health Association, President of the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Association, and Treasurer and Secretary of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs.

Fuddy’s nomination is subject to State Senate confirmation. Gov. Abercrombie plans to announce a First Deputy Health Director at a later date.