PHD director leaving

COEUR d'ALENE — Panhandle Health District's director announced his resignation and will be leaving in May to pursue other interests, according to a Tuesday press release.

Don Duffy has been with PHD since 2014 serving as the division administrator of Community Health and Clinical Services and, most recently, as director. He led the district through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m grateful to have had this opportunity and experience to serve the North Idaho community over the past decade,” Duffy said in a prepared statement. “The health district has an incredible team of dedicated individuals who I had the privilege to work alongside. I look forward to serving the community in other capacities.”

The search for a new director will begin immediately, said Katherine Hoyer, PHD spokeswoman.

"Our Board of Health will choose candidates to interview and ultimately make the decision on who the next Health District Director will be," she wrote in an email to The Press.

Prior to coming to PHD, Duffy owned and operated a health care consulting company working with medical practices throughout the Western United States. 

Duffy earned his MBA through Gonzaga University and his master's and bachelor's of science degrees through Brigham Young University.

Duffy lives in Kootenai County with his wife, Heather, and plans to remain in the area, the release said.

PHD has about 105 employees. It provides more than 40 different public health programs to families, individuals and organizations in North Idaho.