Chatham County health director Layton Long has been named the 2016 Health Director of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.

The award was announced at the organization’s annual luncheon on January 20.

Long has served as a health director for over 10 years, holding that role in Davidson County before joining Chatham County in 2013.

The county has implemented initiatives during Long’s tenure including tobacco control, an updated animal control ordinance and the formation of the Chatham Health Alliance, according to a release.

Chatham County Board of Health chair John Kessler said in a release:

“We have been extremely fortunate to successfully recruit Layton to lead the Health Department and serve the citizens of Chatham County. Layton is remarkably evidence-based in his decision making, pragmatic in solving problems, and politically astute in considering the intended and unintended consequences of his actions and the Board’s policy making process.”

Long said, “it was at total surprise in receiving the award but truly an honor to be recognized by my public health peers.”

The North Carolina Health Director of the Year Award was created by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and is implemented through the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors, an affiliate of the NCACC. It is given to an individual for outstanding leadership in both public health in North Carolina and for leadership and involvement in local community and civic activities, according to a release. Officials say Long was nominated for the Health Director of the Year Award by staff at the Chatham County Health Department.

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