Media release | Office of the Hawaii Governor

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today appointed Loretta Fuddy as the Director of the Department of Health.

Ms. Fuddy has been serving as the Acting Health Director since January 26, 2011. Her nomination requires confirmation by the State Senate.

“In her short time as Acting Director at the Department of Health, Loretta has begun making progress in restoring critical government function and moving in a new direction,” Governor Abercrombie said. “I have complete confidence in Loretta and her team’s ability to rebuild our public health system.”

Following her appointment this afternoon, Ms. Fuddy stated, “I’m honored and up to the challenge. It is very exciting to be a part of this Administration as we move forward on health initiatives to better serve the state.”

Governor Abercrombie will announce a First Deputy Health Director at a later date.

Ms. Fuddy was Chief of the Family Health Services Division, Hawai’i Department of Health. She holds degrees in sociology, social work, and public health from the University of Hawai’i and Johns Hopkins University.

Ms. Fuddy, 62, is a recognized leader in the public health field having served as Chair of the Hawai’i Public Health Association, President of the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Association, Treasurer and Secretary of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. She is a recipient of a various awards including the Hawaii Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth, and the DOH Sustained Superior and Exemplary Performance Award.

Raised in Kaimuki, she is a graduate of the Sacred Hearts Academy.