King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray on Friday appointed Patty Hayes – an award-winning, 25-year veteran in the health field – as the Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Before she was appointed as the interim director in August, Hayes led the department’s largest division, Community Health Services.

Hayes will appoint Dr. Jeff Duchin as the department’s Health Officer, effective immediately. Duchin has served as Interim Health Officer since January, and is also Chief of the Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization Section.

“Patty Hayes has the experience and expertise needed to build on the progress we’ve made to transform health and human services to focus on prevention, eliminate disparities, and deliver the best outcomes in our community,” said Constantine in a media release. “She and Dr. Jeff Duchin will provide the leadership our dedicated employees need to maintain our national reputation for excellence in protecting and promoting the health of our residents.”

Public Health protects and improves the health and well-being of the two million residents of Seattle and King County residents through disease protection, health promotion, and assurance of quality healthcare services. Its 1,300 employees deliver a wide range of services, including environmental health services, emergency medical services, maternal child services, healthcare for the homeless and incarcerated, disease investigation and other services that serve all communities in King County.

Hayes’ appointment is subject to confirmation by the Metropolitan King County Council and the Seattle City Council.