Seneca County Board of Health selects new health commissioner

Tiffin, Ohio — The Seneca County Board of Health has announced its selection for the county’s new health commissioner.

Julie Richards, MA, LSW, LPCC/S, will assume the role, replacing interim health commissioner Laura Wallrabenstein. The appointment was made during a regular board meeting held on Thursday evening. Richards is set to begin her duties on July 31.

A resident of Tiffin, Richards brings extensive experience to her new position. She currently serves as the deputy director of NAMI Northwest Ohio and has previously held notable roles, including Director of Counseling and Wellness at Tiffin University and Assistant Director of the Academic and Career Support Center at Heidelberg University.

Expressing her gratitude and enthusiasm, Richards eagerly anticipates the opportunity to serve as the county’s health commissioner. She outlined her goals for the role, stating, “I look forward to leading and developing the public health team as we fill vacant positions and continue building and fostering relationships throughout the community. My current role with NAMI Northwest Ohio has further opened my eyes to the mental health needs within the area, and the results of the Community Health Assessment substantiate the concerns. Moving forward, I plan to explore ways we can address this issue as a public health agency.”

Dr. Clay Wolph, President of the Seneca County Board of Health, expressed his excitement about Richards joining the team and applying her extensive background to benefit the residents of Seneca County. “I’m excited for Julie to begin her role as health commissioner,” said Wolph. “I know she will be a perfect fit for Seneca County and will move the health district in the right direction. It’s important for the health commissioner to lead our communities to better health, and I know she will do that.”