DOH-Sarasota Names New Health Officer

Sarasota County, Fla — Lynette Herbert has been selected as the health officer and administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Sarasota County’s director of health and human services. The Sarasota County Commission confirmed her appointment on Tuesday, August 25, with an effective date of August 26.

Chuck Henry, who has served the Department since 2002 and assumed his current role as the DOH-Sarasota health officer and Sarasota County’s health and human and services director in 2011, is set to retire September 30. Prior to joining the Department, Henry served for 24 years in the U.S. Navy as both a hospital corpsman and as a commissioned officer in the Medical Service Corps.

Herbert brings more than 20 years of professional experience spanning public health, human services, local government, and the nonprofit sector to the role. According to Mark Lander, deputy secretary for county health systems for the Florida Department of Health, Herbert’s more than two decades of experience across public health, human services, local government, and the nonprofit sector uniquely position her to make a meaningful impact in Sarasota County.

As DOH-Sarasota’s health officer and administrator, Herbert will lead more than 200 full-time employees serving roughly 400,000 residents across six county locations. The department’s public health responsibilities include environmental health, vital records, epidemiology, communicable disease control and health protection, emergency preparedness, maternal care, nutrition services, and health education. As the health and human services director, Herbert will oversee the Sarasota County health and human services department, which includes human services, mosquito management services, and veterans services.

According to Becky Keyes, director of county health systems for the Florida Department of Health, Herbert’s deep commitment to public health, paired with her personal connection to the community, brings an impactful perspective to the role.

“Lynette’s combined years of leadership experience and unique ability to build strong community partnerships put her in the perfect position to lead the department,” Keyes said.

Herbert most recently served as the assistant director for Sarasota County Health and Human Services and the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, a position she has held since February 2022. She previously served six years as the public health services manager. Before joining the Florida Department of Health, Herbert spent nearly five years with Sarasota County Government as a contracted human services supervisor and more than six years as chief financial officer for a nonprofit organization. She earned a Master of Science in applied aging sciences from the University of South Florida.

“It is an honor to continue serving Sarasota County in this role and to work alongside the dedicated, responsive professionals who support the health and well-being of our community every day,” Herbert said. “I look forward to building on our strong partnerships and working together to create the healthiest community and to ensure residents can access needed public health services and resources.”

For more information, call 941-861-2900.