BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong has announced the appointment of Sherry Adams, administrator and CEO of the Southwestern District Health Unit, to serve as North Dakota’s next State Health Officer, effective Sept. 15.

“Sherry brings a wealth of experience to the role of State Health Officer, and our citizens will be well-served by her deep knowledge and understanding of public health and emergency response,” Armstrong said in a news release.

According to information from the governor’s office, Adams is a registered sanitarian and environmental health specialist who began working in public health in 2004 and has led the Dickinson-based Southwestern District Health Unit since 2009, overseeing 35 staff across eight counties. She has worked in emergency preparedness and response for 21 years and is certified by the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency as an incident command instructor.

As state health officer, Adams will be a member of the governor’s Cabinet, advising on issues affecting public health. Adams will continue to serve in her current role with Southwestern District Health Unit while fulfilling her duties as state health officer on a part-time basis.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am committed to working collaboratively with our communities, health care partners, and state leadership to protect and promote the health and well-being of all North Dakotans. Together, we will build on the state’s strong foundation to address current challenges and advance a healthier future for all the citizens of North Dakota,” Adams said in the release.