Press Releases

Montgomery County Council Statement on the Resignation of County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Travis Gayles

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 18, 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 18, 2021—Today Dr. Travis Gayles informed the Montgomery County Council that he will be leaving his position as Montgomery County's Public Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services on Sept. 12, 2021. The Council issued the following statement about his departure.

“The Council appreciates the outstanding work of County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Travis Gayles. Throughout his career with Montgomery County, his sole focus has been protecting the public health and safety of our community. We have been extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished and highly skilled leader providing our public health guidance and making extremely difficult choices to ensure our public health and welfare.

“In the face of the largest and most challenging global pandemic in modern history, Dr. Gayles has consistently followed the latest scientific data and evidence in his decision-making. His commitment to public health equity has truly been lifesaving, and his work will continue to be instrumental in achieving our ultimate goal which is protecting the public health of all residents.

“We wish Dr. Gayles all the best as he begins the next chapter in his career. During this time of transition, the Council will work with County Executive Elrich and the County’s public health team to identify a new health officer for Montgomery County. The departure of Dr. Gayles will not impact public health services or our Board of Health guidance to combat COVID-19.

“We want to assure all of our residents that we will continue to put public health first and follow the scientific data, as we continue our collective efforts to protect and serve more than one million residents.”

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Release ID: 21-331
Media Contact: Genevieve Kurtz 240-777-7937, Sonya Healy 240-777-7926