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Brian Adey
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Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today announced that Oneida County Health Department Director Eric Faisst is leaving Oneida County to assume a similar position in Madison County.

“Eric did an outstanding job of working with me to develop strategic plans to help Oneida County respond to the threats of the future, such as avian flu,” Griffo said. “Through his efforts, we were able to implement greater efficiency through collaboration with community partners while also maintaining services to local residents through public health services such as our outreach services and clinic. We wish Eric well in his new opportunity, which represents a good career move for him. We are also happy that he will be staying in our region so that he can continue to be a partner with us in broader, regional efforts to deal with emerging public health issues that cross county lines.”

Faisst said that his tenure as Oneida County Health Director helped him develop new skills and that he considers his new career opportunity as a chance for increased professional growth. “The mission of public health departments continues to change in response to changing social and health priorities,” Faisst said. “During my time here in Oneida County, we were able to increase the county’s ability to plan and react to major health events. I appreciate the help of the many community and governmental partners who contributed to my successes here, and I wish them continued success in the future.”

Director of Environmental Health Nick DeRosa, a veteran public health official, will be responsible for the operation of the Department after Faisst’s departure on December 30th. Griffo said a search will begin later this month to find a new Health Department Director.