HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 07-09-2026; 4-a - Proclamation of Appreciation for Departing Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: July 9, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Proclamation of Appreciation for Departing Orange County Health Director
Quintana Stewart
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Jean Hamilton, BOCC Chair, (919) 245-
2130
Cait Fenhagen, Deputy Manager, (919)
245-2303
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Quintana
Stewart for her dedicated service to Orange County and its residents.
BACKGROUND: After almost a decade of public service in Orange County as Health Director,
Quintana Stewart is leaving her position on July 10, 2026, to pursue new professional challenges.
Quintana Stewart was hired as the Orange County Health Director on December 18, 2017. During
her tenure, Ms. Stewart has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to the health
of all residents. In particular, during the COVID pandemic, Quintana led the County's response to
the global health crisis with urgent, science-based guidance and the provision of critical public
health resources to the community.
The Board of Commissioners expresses its appreciation to Quintana Stewart for her devotion and
service to Orange County residents, Orange County government, the Board of Commissioners
and the Board of Health.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of this
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• MISSION STATEMENT — Orange County is a visionary leader in providing governmental
services valued by our community, beyond those required by law, in an equitable,
sustainable, innovative, and efficient way.
• VISION STATEMENT — We are a diverse, inclusive, and healthy county working together
to strengthen our community and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt and authorize the
Chair to sign the Proclamation of Appreciation recognizing Quintana Stewart's service to the
people of Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION
FOR
QUINTANA STEWART, PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR, UPON HER
DEPARTURE FROM ORANGE COUNTY
WHEREAS, Quintana Stewart, after nearly 10 years of dedicated service to the Orange
County community, is leaving her position on July 10, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Quintana began her role as Orange County's Health Director in 2017, leaving
her previous position as Assistant Health Director in Forsyth County; and
WHEREAS, Quintana has served the County and the Board of Health with excellence,
professionalism, and a deep commitment to ensuring healthy outcomes for all of our
residents; and
WHEREAS, Quintana has overseen the Department's two health clinics, a dental clinic,
a mobile dental clinic, environmental health services, the Family Success Alliance and
multiple preventative health and health promotion programs; and
WHEREAS, Quintana has consistently worked to align Health Department programs with
the goals and priorities of the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Health and to
improve care, update billing practices and enhance direct services to the community; and
WHEREAS, Quintana's service in Orange County includes leading the County through
the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated the implementation of urgent health and
safety protocols; and
WHEREAS, Quintana worked tirelessly to inform and guide the community through the
pandemic and her calm and steady leadership, as well as her work to secure tests,
Personal Protective Equpment and vaccine supplies saved lives and provided critical
prevention resources to the community; and
WHEREAS, Quintana has forged strong collaborations with other departments and
community organizations, which has strengthened service delivery and improved
efficiencies; and
WHEREAS, Quintana has received local and national recognition for her work, including
the 2025 NACo Heroic Hands Award, the 2022 Ron Levine Public Health Legacy Award,
the 2021 WCHL Hometown Hero Award and the 2021 Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Chamber Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award; and
WHEREAS, Quintana will be greatly missed by her colleagues throughout Orange County
for her compassion, sense of humor and her steady leadership during challenging times;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
recognize and express deep appreciation and gratitude for the services rendered by
Quintana Stewart to the Orange County community, and wish her well in her new
endeavors.
This the 9th day of July, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners