Rein named new health department public health director

During a special meeting Tuesday evening, the Whitley County Board of Health selected a new public health director.

The board voted unanimously to offer the position to Marcy Rein, who was called after the meeting and accepted the position.

Her official hiring is pending approval from the Kentucky Commissioner of Health.

“She had wonderful recommendations from her references,” noted Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison, who is a member of the board of health.

Harrison said he feels confident about the new hire.

“I am sure the rest of the board does as well. She had an impressive resume. The people we called basically were saying you really need to hire this person,” Harrison said. “I feel really good about the process that Dr. (David) Williams as the board chair lead us through. I feel good about the whole process. Everybody left with high hopes. I think everything is going to work out great.”

Depending on when the commissioner gives his approval, Rein has a tentative start date of April 22.

Rein is originally from Alaska, but currently lives on the outskirts of Williamsburg.

She previously attended the University of Alaska, and is currently enrolled at the University of the Cumberlands, Harrison said.

Rein will replace Martha Steele, who was terminated as the public health director in November. Board minutes from that special meeting indicated that the board wanted to move “in a different direction.”

The board interviewed three finalists for the position in recent months.

Tamara Phelps continues to serve as interim director until the public health director assumes her duties.