In the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, Dr. Gib Morrow is taking over for the new health officer for Kitsap County.

Dr. Susan Turner retired July 31 after serving six years in the role.

“On behalf of the Kitsap Public Health Board, I extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Turner for her service to the Health District and the entire Kitsap community,” Kitsap Public Health Board Chairman Rob Putaansuu said. “I am equally excited to welcome Dr. Morrow, who brings a tremendous level of experience and skill to the health officer position at this critical juncture.”

Dr. Morrow most recently served as deputy health officer for Whatcom County Health Department, where he helped lead that county’s COVID-19 response.

“We have a difficult and uncertain road ahead, but I believe that if we continue to act together, we can protect the health of our loved ones and get through this successfully,” he said.

Dr. Morrow received his medical degree from the Duke University School of Medicine and completed an internal medicine residency and master’s in public health at the University of Washington. He previously served as deputy health officer for Sonoma County, California, and medical director for Whatcom County Jail in Bellingham. He practiced medicine at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham for more than 20 years.

The Kitsap Public Health Board launched a nationwide health officer recruitment in November.