PHX Reporter

The city of Phoenix has hired its first public health adviser, Nicole Dupuis-Witt, whose position was approved by the City Council in April. Dupuis-Witt will start her position on Oct. 17, according to a release on the city’s website.

Dupuis-Witt’s job will include collaborating with city departments to “achieve public health objectives and city priorities,” the release says.

“The addition of public health expertise to our leadership team strengthens our ability to address public health needs across the City,” City Manager Jeff Barton said in an announcement about the position on Sept. 12.

“Public health is a central tenant to many of the City’s top priorities including heat response and mitigation, housing and homelessness, food systems, senior services, transportation and more,” Barton said. “I am confident that Nicole's experience and data-driven approach will further position Phoenix as a resilient and prosperous place to live, work and play.” 

Dupuis-Witt served as the chief executive officer for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in Ontario, Canada, and held the role during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also led comprehensive approaches to complex issues, such as the opioid crisis, community food insecurity, mental health services and more.

“I am incredibly excited to return to Arizona and join the team at the city of Phoenix,” Dupuis-Witt said in the release.“It is an honor and privilege to be selected to serve the city as its first public health adviser.

“While COVID-19 will continue to be an important public health priority for the near future, I look forward to working with the community on other critical public health issues and the vision toward a healthier Phoenix,” Dupuis-Witt said.