Redwood City – County Executive Mike Callagy today announced the appointment of Colleen Chawla as San Mateo County’s new health chief, the organization’s largest department.
“I am excited to introduce Colleen to our community. She brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to take on this leadership role that has such an impact on so many of our residents,” Callagy said. “His extensive experience in health care and executive leadership will serve the county and community well today and in the future.”
Colleen Chawla
Chawla comes to the Peninsula from Alameda County Health where she has served as agency director since 2017.
On Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is expected to confirm Chawla’s appointment. She is expected to take office on February 18, 2025, leading a department with 2,200 employees and an annual budget of $1.3 billion.
Chawla traces his interest in health policy and administration to his volunteer work more than thirty years ago for an AIDS information line.
“This volunteer position launched a career in health policy and public health, supported over the years by the things I care deeply about: the right to health, equity and justice, and public trust management,” Chawla said.
Chawla emerged as the best candidate to succeed Louise Rogerswho has served as health chief since 2015. Rogers announced this fall that she was retiring after 22 years in numerous leadership roles within San Mateo County Health.
“I’ve known Colleen for many years,” Rogers said. “We faced – and overcame – many challenges of the pandemic together as health directors of the Bay Area and she was always calm and thoughtful in the face of everything that happened to us. She also seems to find grace and a sense of humor, as we so often need. I will retire with great confidence that County Health is in good hands.
Chawla holds a master’s degree in public administration/health services administration from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Southern California. Before joining Alameda County, she held several positions during her 13 years with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, including deputy health director.
As Alameda County’s health director, Chawla oversaw 1,900 employees and a $1.2 billion annual budget in a county with a population more than double that of San Mateo County. The agency’s portfolio includes public health, behavioral health, environmental health, and housing and homelessness. One key difference: San Mateo County operates its own public hospital, San Mateo Medical Center; Alameda County has a separate agency that manages its public hospitals and clinics.
In addition to its San Mateo Medical Center, San Mateo County Health operates an extensive clinic network that serves 100,000 individuals and families. County Health also operates a public health laboratory, conducts restaurant inspections, protects vulnerable seniors and other populations, contacts a network of community providers for substance use counseling, and supports the community in ways that meet its mission.to help all San Mateo County residents live longer, better lives.”