Christopher Barker selected as Summit County Public Health's next commissioner

The Summit County Board of Health has named Christopher Barker to succeed Health Commissioner Donna Skoda, who is retiring at year's end after serving at the forefront of the region's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board voted to appoint Barker, who currently serves as Summit County Public Health's director of emergency preparedness and compliance, at a July 11 meeting.

"As I assume my new position at the end of the year, I look forward to working to maintain SCPH’s reputation as a progressive health department, an innovative and freethinking organization and an agency Summit County residents, our community partners and SCPH employee’s respect," Barker said in a press release.

Barker, who earned a master of public health degree from Kent State, started with the organization in 2009 as an emergency preparedness planner.

Skoda has served as health commissioner since July 2015, steering the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, along with confronting other health threats such as drug and vape abuse. She has worked in public health service for 38 years.

"As we bid Donna a well-earned and happy retirement, rest assured SCPH will build upon our strong foundation and uphold our commitments to delivering exceptional public health services to the residents of Summit County,” Barker said.

Reporter Isabella Schreck can be contacted at ischreck@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Christopher Barker selected as Summit County Public Health's next commissioner