Public Health Director Tom Gonzales Elected to NACCHO Board of Directors
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) Director Tom Gonzales, MPH, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), where he will serve as the Region 8 representative beginning July 1, 2026.
NACCHO is the leading national organization representing the nation's nearly 3,300 local health departments. As the voice of local public health in Washington, D.C., NACCHO advocates for public health policy, shapes national priorities, provides leadership development and technical expertise, and helps strengthen local health departments across the country.
As one of just 20 elected members of the NACCHO Board of Directors, Tom will represent Region 8, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Elected by his peers, he will help guide the organization's strategic direction, advocate for the needs of local health departments, and ensure the unique perspectives of Mountain West communities are reflected in national public health priorities.
"I’m honored to represent Region 8 and help elevate the voices of local health departments at the national level," Gonzales said. "Every community across our region has unique strengths and challenges, and I look forward to learning from colleagues across the country while sharing our perspectives and advocating for the needs of our communities. By working together we can strengthen local public health and ensure every community has the resources it needs to thrive."
Serving as Larimer County's Public Health Director since 2018, Gonzales is committed to protecting and improving public health. Before joining Larimer County, he served as Deputy Public Health Director at El Paso County Public Health, where he led environmental health response and recovery efforts following four major wildfires and two flood events.
A recognized leader in public health, Tom is a past president of the Colorado Association for Local Public Health Officials, chairs the Larimer County Regional Opioid Abatement Council, and has served as regional vice president of the National Environmental Health Association and president of the Colorado Environmental Health Association. His many honors include the Milton M. Miller Award, the 2024 Community Partner Award in Public Health Practice from the Colorado School of Public Health, Delta Omega Honorary Member recognition, and a 2018 appointment by the Governor to the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission.
“Tom's election to the NACCHO Board of Directors is a testament to the thoughtful, collaborative leadership he brings to public health every day. His experience and commitment to improving community health make him an outstanding representative for Region 8, and we're proud to see Larimer County's perspective helping shape public health at the national level,” said Heather Weir, MPH, RD, Larimer County’s Board of Health President.
This is a significant professional achievement and reflects the respect Tom has earned among public health leaders nationwide. His leadership will help shape the future of local public health while ensuring that the experiences and priorities of Larimer County, Colorado, and the broader Mountain West region have a voice in national conversations.
