Loretta Fuddy

News Release from www.Hawaii.gov/gov

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Loretta Fuddy as the director of the Department of Health.

Fuddy has been serving as the Acting Health Director since Jan. 26. Her nomination requires confirmation by the State Senate.

“In her short time as Acting Director at the Department of Health, Loretta has begun making progress in restoring critical government function and moving in a new direction,” Abercrombie said. “I have complete confidence in Loretta and her team’s ability to rebuild our public health system.”

Following her appointment, Fuddy said, “I’m honored and up to the challenge. It is very exciting to be a part of this Administration as we move forward on health initiatives to better serve the state.”

Abercrombie will announce a First Deputy Health Director at a later date.

Fuddy was chief of the Family Health Services Division, Hawaii Department of Health. She holds degrees in sociology, social work, and public health from the University of Hawaii and Johns Hopkins University.

Fuddy, 62, is a recognized leader in the public health field having served as chairwoman of the Hawaii Public Health Association, president of the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Association, treasurer and secretary of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs.

She is a recipient of a various awards including the Hawaii Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth, and the DOH Sustained Superior and Exemplary Performance Award.

Raised in Kaimuki, she is a graduate of the Sacred Hearts Academy.

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