County Supervisors Approve Contract for Director of Public Health

Author: Jeanette Trompeter
Date: 7/28/2026 12:04 PM

After an extensive search and a series of interviews, the County’s Chief Executive Officer selected Suzanne "Suzy" Jed, RN, MSN, for the position of Director of Public Health.

---

The Board of Supervisors approved her employment agreement at the Board meeting this morning. Jed is expected to begin serving as Director of Public Health on August 2.

Jed was chosen in part for her expertise in infectious disease prevention, maternal and child health, emergency preparedness, workforce development, and strategic program management. She brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in public health, healthcare systems, and global health initiatives to the County, having led health programs throughout the United States, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Most recently, Jed served as Senior Technical Advisor and Deputy Health Office Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Dominican Republic, where she managed a public health portfolio exceeding $20 million annually. Prior to that, she served as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Country Coordinator in South Africa, providing executive leadership for a five-year, $2.2 billion HIV and tuberculosis program that served more than 5.7 million people.

"Keeping our community healthy and safe is one of the Board of Supervisors' most important responsibilities,” said Board Chair and District 4 Supervisor Jimmy Paulding. “We're pleased to welcome Suzy Jed to San Luis Obispo County and are confident that her impressive experience leading public health initiatives will help strengthen our ability to protect the well-being of our residents, prepare for future challenges, and build healthier communities throughout our county."

"Suzy's extensive public health leadership experience, combined with her collaborative approach and commitment to improving community health, make her exceptionally well-suited to lead our Department of Public Health," said Chief Executive Officer Matt Pontes. "We are excited and welcome her to San Luis Obispo County and look forward to the expertise and vision she will bring to this important role."

Jed earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wheaton College in Illinois and a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University. As Director of Public Health, Jed will oversee the County's efforts to protect and promote the health of San Luis Obispo County residents through disease prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health equity initiatives, and community-based public health programs.

"My family and I are elated to join the incredible community of San Luis Obispo County,” said Jed. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and expertise to continue and enhance the strong work of the public health department in close collaboration with community partners to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of individuals in San Luis Obispo County."

The County welcomes Suzy and her family to San Luis Obispo County.