New Public Health Director appointed in Tioga County

Tioga County recently announced that the Public Health Department is under new leadership. Heather Vroman was appointed as the new Public Health Director, effective April 12, 2023.  

Vroman has a long history of working in the Public Health field, and has been employed for Tioga County Public Health for the last 12 years. Vroman is a 2006 graduate of SUNY Cortland, where she received her Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Health Education.

She started her Public Health career as a Public Health Educator in Burke County, N.C. She moved back to the area in 2011 when she began working for Tioga County Public Health as a Public Health Educator, and before being promoted to Community Health Program Supervisor where she oversaw Health Education and Children’s Services.

Vroman was promoted to Deputy Public Health Director on April 14, 2020, which was the same day Tioga County saw their first reported case of COVID-19.  

“Heather’s leadership and guidance throughout the pandemic was commendable,” the department noted in the announcement.

They continued, “From the day the department had their first COVID-19 case, and every day after, she led the team through the endless amount of hurdles. She was always available, even after hours, when questions and unique situations came up.”

Martha Sauerbrey, Tioga County Legislative chair, stated, “Heather’s knowledge of Public Health and passion for serving Tioga County made her the perfect candidate for this position. I cannot wait to see the improvements and growth that we anticipate from the department.” 

Vroman commented, “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve Tioga County and I am thankful to be able to do it with a wonderful team.” 

Tioga County Public Health will be holding an Open House on Thursday, April 20, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Health and Human Services Building in Owego. This is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the services that the department provides to the county, as well as a chance to meet the new Public Health Director.