Steele accepts job at new Whitley County Health Dept. Director

Martha Steele

Martha Steele will be embarking on a new chapter in her healthcare career as she has accepted the director’s position at the Whitley County Health Department.

“I’m very excited,” Steele said. “It is a wonderful opportunity.”

Steele admits to having mixed emotions, noting she has worked at Baptist Health Corbin for 34 years. After completing nursing school, Steele came to the hospital as a staff nurse.

“I’m a little bit sad to leave my family of 34 years,” Steele said.

Steele worked her way up to various managerial positions throughout the hospital. Steele said that has given her experience in departments throughout the hospital. Her current position is Director of Critical Care.

Members of the Whitley County Board of Health pointed to that experience in selecting Steele to replace Gail Timperio, who is retiring effective December 1.

“Among the things that I like about Miss Steele was her experience and her ability to lead people,” said Corbin Independent Schools Superintendent Ramona Davis.

In addition the experience, Steele brings a Masters Degree in Rural Community Health from Eastern Kentucky University.

“I think the biggest challenge is that it is a different type of healthcare,” Steele said of moving from the hospital to the health department.

Steele admitted to being nervous about stepping into Timperio’s shoes, saying her goal is to just become part of the excellent team Timperio has assembled.

“The staff is doing a great job and I just want to be part of that,” Steele said.

Steele was born and raised in Corbin, graduating from Corbin High School in 1978.

She and her husband, Daron have been married for 34 years. The couple has two daughters, Rebecca Hays, who is married to Dr. Jeremie Hays of London, and Heather Root, who is married to Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Millard Root.

“I’m very proud to have been chosen,” Steele said.

Steele was offered the position following a second interview she and the other finalist, Rhonda Thornton.

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison, who serves on the board, said the board voted 8-2 to offer the position to Steele

“The majority of us felt like she was a little more qualified,” Harrison said of Steele.