County executive recommending Cynthia Johnson for Health Department director

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser is recommending Cynthia H. Johnson to serve as the director of the Kenosha County Division of Health.

Johnson, who was serving as the assistant director/director of nursing, was appointed the interim division director following the retirement of Frank G. Matteo in July.

“Cynthia has been a leader in public health in Kenosha County for 22 years,” Kreuser said. “I’m looking forward to her guidance as we seek to improve the health and safety of all Kenosha County residents.”

Johnson began her nursing career as a medical-surgical nurse at a Racine hospital and then shifted to critical care nursing in the Kenosha area in 1986. She began her career in public health in 1988 as a public health nurse for the City of Kenosha Health Department, which later merged with the Kenosha County Division of Health. She has been director of nursing for the Division of Health since 2006.

“I am thrilled by this opportunity,” Johnson said. “My goals are to improve the health of the community, to protect them from emerging communicable diseases and to continue to strengthen partnerships throughout Kenosha County that will contribute to the health and safety of the community.”

Johnson’s appointment will be reviewed by the county Human Services Committee and a recommendation will be sent to the full County Board in coming weeks.