FRESNO COUNTY – The Fresno County Department of Public Health has a new, permanent leader in place after a longtime county employee was appointed to the public health director position with strong support from the board of supervisors and public.
Upon recommendation from County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors unanimously confirmed Joe Prado’s appointment to the role on Nov. 18. Prado, formerly the assistant director of public health, had been serving as the interim director since August. Nerland said the “interim” would be dropped from his title beginning on Nov. 24.
“We went through a very extensive recruitment process that was very competitive, (with) many qualified candidates that applied, but it’s an honor and privilege to recommend this morning an internal candidate,” Nerland said.
Prado began his career with Fresno County in 1997, Nerland said, and his experience has spanned many departments, including behavioral health, public health, public works and the administrative office.
Throughout the hiring process, Nerland said one thing that stood out about Prado was how much support and trust community leaders have in him. Many individuals reached out to Nerland to share the impact Prado has had on the community through various projects the department is working on.
For example, Nerland said something the county is working on is an American Rescue Plan Act project called the Community Information Exchange, which focuses on suicide prevention and sharing information between schools and hospitals.
“(It’s) something that we’re excited about, but Joe really has been the passion and the person behind that, and I commend him for his efforts,” Nerland said.
Board Chair Buddy Mendes said he also received calls from constituents urging him to support Prado’s appointment. Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, spoke in favor of Prado during public comment and said he was one of the phone calls.
Cunha said Prado was “tremendous” during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the protection of farmworkers regardless of if they were working just in Fresno County or traveling to Tulare and Madera counties as well for work.
“I’m really very pleased to have this young man be the director,” Cunha said.
Other supervisors likewise praised Prado for his work as both an administrator and a community leader. Supervisor Luis Chavez said he worked with Prado during the pandemic as well, when Prado was a liaison between the county and the Fresno City Council’s COVID-19 subcommittee.
“You provided us with information during the difficult time, and you always did that in a very professional manner, and when you spoke, I think people trusted what you said,” Chavez said.
Supervisor Garry Bredefeld added that he would support Prado’s appointment while reiterating his opposition to what he sees as the department’s past involvement in “woke policies,” referencing mask and vaccine mandates and the distribution of rainbow condoms during Pride.
Nerland said another focus of the hiring process was looking for candidates who would be “laser-focused” on the board’s priorities. He said the future of public health is driven by local accountability from each supervisor.
Thanking Nerland and the board for the opportunity, Prado said he has led innovative, cost-effective solutions in public health, something he plans to continue to do.
“I look forward to leading the department to ensure public safety, to improve access to health care and really work towards data integration throughout the entire county system,” he said.