News

Former Whatcom County Health Director begins new role for state agency

Former Whatcom County Health Director begins new role for state agency

Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County’s former Health Director has landed a new role with the state.

Erika Lautenbach now serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. She oversees the Administrative Team for the department, which includes the CFO, CIO and the head of HR.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that Lautenbach was placed on leave, and later terminated, from her role with Whatcom County in March.

She disputed the decision by County Executive Satpal Sidhu, claiming that she had been working on a separation agreement before she was notified of her firing.

A spokesperson for Sidhu’s office said at the time that the County Executive wanted new leadership that better reflected his office’s updated priorities.

On March 25, the County Council approved the appointment of Dr. Charlene Ramont as interim Medical Director.

The search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Recent Headlines

17 hours ago in Business, Heating and AC Expert, Lifestyle, Local, Local Experts, Native Advertising

Protect against costly repairs with a properly heated home this holiday season | Sponsored

The bitter cold can make water lines brittle and at risk of cracking when temperatures shift.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Generations of anglers have made the pilgrimage to Montauk to catch striped bass

On most October nights, fishing guide Bill Wetzel can be found navigating the shores of Montauk, New York, in a modified 4x4 pickup truck, rumbling over boulders and thick sand as he scans the surface of the Atlantic for signs of life.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.

2 days ago in Crime, Education, Local, Trending

Former Bellingham coach, safety director arrested on child rape charges

He had left the district earlier this year to take a job in another district.

Bellingham Traffic