North Georgia Health District Names New Health Director

Dr. K. Mills McNeill has been named the North Georgia Health District's new health director, the district announced.

McNeill brings a background in preventive medicine and public health to the six-county health district based in Dalton, consisting of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties.

McNeill received his medical doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1975, preceded by a PhD in medical parasitology from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1971. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Mississippi State University, which he earned in 1968.

With 22 years of active duty in the U.S. Army as a preventive medicine physician, McNeill retired as a colonel.

His career includes various leadership roles in both the military and public health sectors, such as senior medical officer at the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency, director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, chief of preventive medicine service at various military medical centers, senior public health physician of the Mississippi State Department of Public Health, and medical epidemiologist of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Throughout his career, McNeill has also contributed to numerous publications and served on federal advisory committees in an effort to help advance public health initiatives and improve healthcare systems.

In his new role as health director, McNeill will lead efforts to promote community health and wellness, implement preventive health programs and address public health challenges in the region. His experience and dedication to public service make him a valuable spearhead of the district's leadership team, representatives of NGHD said.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mills McNeill as our new Health Director," said Louise Hamrick, deputy director of NGHD. "His outstanding qualifications and proven track record in the military and public health make him the ideal candidate to lead our district and support our mission of improving the health and well-being of our community."

McNeill’s appointment is effective immediately. He said he is eager to collaborate with local stakeholders, healthcare providers and community members to enhance health outcomes and promote a culture of wellness in the district.

For more information, visit www.nghd.org .