(Tiffin, June 22, 2023) – The Seneca County Board of Health has selected the county’s next health commissioner.
Julie Richards, MA, LSW, LPCC/S, was named Seneca County Health Commissioner Thursday evening during a regular board meeting. She replaces interim health commissioner Laura Wallrabenstein and will assume the role July 31.
Richards is a Tiffin resident and currently serves as the deputy director of NAMI Northwest Ohio. She previously served as the Director of Counseling and Wellness at Tiffin University and also was the assistant director of the Academic and Career Support Center at Heidelberg University.
Richards said she is excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve as the county’s next health commissioner.
“I look forward to leading and developing the public heath team as we fill vacant positions and continue building and fostering relationships throughout the community,” Richards said. “My current role with NAMI Northwest Ohio has further opened my eyes to the mental health needs within the area, and the results of the Community Health Assessment substantiate the concerns. Moving forward, I plan to explore ways we can address this issue as a public health agency.”
Seneca County Board of Health President Dr. Clay Wolph said he and the board are looking forward to Richards applying her extensive background to serve Seneca County residents.
“I’m excited for Julie to begin her role as health commissioner,” Wolph said. “I know she will be a perfect fit for Seneca County and will move the health district in the right direction. It’s important for the health commissioner to lead our communities to better health, and I know she will do that.”
