Summary:
Dr. Sandra Valenciano, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and public health expert, has been appointed as the next director of Public Health - Seattle and King County. Valenciano, who is currently serving as acting director and health officer, will lead efforts to prevent illness, respond to emerging health threats, and address long-standing health disparities across the region. Her appointment comes at a critical time as the region continues to navigate public health challenges while working to improve equity and access to care.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson have appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano as the next director of Public Health – Seattle and King County, placing an experienced physician and public health leader at the helm of a department serving more than two million residents.
Valenciano, who is currently serving as acting director and health officer, will lead efforts to prevent illness, respond to emerging health threats and address long-standing health disparities across the region, pending confirmation by the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council.
Officials said her appointment comes at a critical time as the region continues to navigate public health challenges while working to improve equity and access to care.
“Dr. Valenciano is a well-known public health expert with an extensive medical and community health-oriented background and a deeply rooted commitment to improving the health and lives of the communities we serve,” Zahilay said.
Mayor Wilson highlighted Valenciano’s focus on addressing the root causes of health issues and strengthening a public health system that serves all communities.
Valenciano, a board-certified physician in internal medicine who also holds a Master of Public Health, has more than a decade of experience working in local and national public health roles. She was appointed health officer for Seattle and King County in 2025, where she has served as the department’s primary medical expert and helped guide policy and public health response efforts.
“I’m deeply honored for the trust the Executive and Mayor have put in me to protect, support, and improve health for everyone in King County,” Valenciano said. “I cherish the opportunity to serve our remarkable community at this pivotal time.”
Before coming to Seattle, Valenciano served as district health director and CEO for DeKalb Public Health in Georgia, where she oversaw services for more than 780,000 residents in a diverse community. She also previously worked as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leading outbreak responses and contributing to national and global public health efforts.
If confirmed, Valenciano will continue to serve as health officer while leading the department’s broader mission to improve community health and advance equity across King County.