County administration presented Jessica Mickelson as the recommended candidate to serve as Clay County’s public health director. The board described a recruitment and interview process that included county representation on the finalist screening and said the recommended candidate had leadership experience and a collaborative approach.

Commissioner Ebinger moved to accept the recommendation to hire Jessica Mickelson at Grade 26, Step 5 with backfill in social services. The motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor.

After the vote, Mickelson thanked the board and county staff: "I just wanna thank Steve and all of the commissioners for this opportunity... I'm really excited to get started," she said, noting she would work with staff to prepare departmental budgets and make a smooth transition from her prior role.

Board members said they favored filling the position promptly to provide leadership and continuity to public health operations, noting the department had been without a permanent director for about two months. The board did not set a final hire date in public comments beyond the staffing discussion; administration earlier mentioned possible start dates discussed with the candidate.