Panhandle Health District announces new district director

Panhandle Health District Board of Health announces Don Duffy as the new PHD director, effective immediately. Duffy began his work with PHD in 2014 serving as the public health services administrator. In that role Duffy oversaw clinical services, epidemiology, WIC, home health, nurse home visiting, health promotion and most recently the COVID-19 response.

“We are very excited to have Don take the helm for PHD,” said Marlow Thompson, PHD board chairman. “Don comes with a strong background in leadership and has already proven his capability in handling the COVID-19 response.”

Duffy served as the district’s incident commander of the COVID-19 pandemic, executing multiple planning and logistical decisions while interfacing with the community and health care leaders. He has also been serving as PHD’s interim director after the previous director retired at the end of June.

“I appreciate the trust the Board of Health has placed in me,” Duffy said. “I am devoted to the North Idaho community and have developed an abiding respect for the mission of public health.”

Prior to coming to PHD, Duffy owned and operated a health care consulting company working with medical practices throughout the western United States. Duffy earned his MBA through Gonzaga University, and his master’s and Bachelor of Science degrees through Brigham Young University.

Duffy resides in Kootenai County with his wife Heather and is the father of six grown children and proud grandpa of 14 grandchildren. He enjoys cycling, skiing, spending time with family and serving within the community.