Ketner named new PHD director

COEUR d'ALENE — Following a national search, the Panhandle Health District chose one of its own as its new director.

PHD's board said Friday that Erik Ketner has been selected to replace outgoing director Don Duffy.

For the last three years, Ketner served as PHD's environmental and health protection division administrator, overseeing the environmental, institutional controls, preparedness, facilities and IT departments across the five northern county jurisdiction.

“I’m excited to build upon all the great work that has been done at the district,” Ketner said in a press release. 

The decision comes after a three-month national search to replace Duffy, who announced his departure in February.

There were a total of 24 applicants for the district director position, and the board considered the top five.

“Erik has continuously demonstrated his skills in leadership and his deep knowledge of the district has been integral in recent years to guide board members, county commissioners, and legislators to educated decisions regarding impacts to the environment in North Idaho.” said Marlow Thompson, PHD board chairman, in the release.

Ketner began working with PHD in 2001. He started his career in roles as an environmental health specialist and water analyst, eventually rising to the rank of division administrator. 

Under Ketner’s leadership, the environmental division collaborated with city and county officials to implement ordinances to maintain protections for the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, developed an assessment protocol that was adopted by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for the statewide assessment of the on-site sewage disposal program and created the food safety program standard operating procedures manual that has been adopted statewide.

Ketner was born and raised in Boundary County and lives in Kootenai County. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Lewis Clark State College.

“We have a talented and dedicated team that I’m proud to have the opportunity to serve alongside in this new capacity," Ketner said.