Kane County names new health department executive director

The Kane County Health Department has a new executive director.

Michael Isaacson, who has worked for the county since 2000 as assistant director of community health, was unanimously approved Tuesday by the Kane County Board.

Isaacson has helped to direct numerous public health programs, including the county's COVID-19 pandemic response, programs involving behavioral health, chronic disease education and prevention, early childhood and family support, epidemiology, health promotion, opioid use reduction and tobacco use prevention.

He also initiated the health department's first official emergency plan and developed an incident command system within the agency.

"Michael is a proven public health leader who builds diverse partnerships with individuals and organizations to give communities throughout the county the tools and resources needed to make healthy choices," Kane County Chair Corinne Pierog said in a news release. "I also appreciate his particular focus on programs that help the mental well-being of our youngest residents and for individuals who suffer from drug addiction."

He replaces Kathy Fosser, who has served as interim executive director since her appointment by the board in 2020.

"I look forward to working with the great team at the health department to increase engagement with the community so we can most effectively provide the information, resources and services to address the issues impacting our residents," Isaacson said in the release.