Liane Jollon, executive director of San Juan Basin Public Health, has dropped out of consideration for a job in Oregon and will stay in her role as leader of the health department for Archuleta and La Plata counties.
It was revealed last week that Jollon was one of three finalists to become director of the Benton County Health Department and was in Oregon interviewing for the job.
Benton County officials were expected to make a final decision this week. But Jollon said Wednesday she withdrew from consideration.
“It was a worthwhile experience to explore, and it was flattering an organization reached out to recruit me ... but as soon as I got there, I missed Durango,” she said. “Ultimately, it didn’t feel good, and I wouldn’t know that until I tried.”
Jollon joined San Juan Basin Public Health as a clinic nurse in 2010 and was named executive director in August 2013. The health department has served Archuleta and La Plata counties for 70 years.
Jollon previously said she was considering the position in Oregon, in part, because of the uncertain future of San Juan Basin Public Health. Archuleta County is considering withdrawing from the health department, which could force the agency to disband.
Archuleta County commissioners in recent weeks have been at odds with some of the decision-making and regulations set out by San Juan Basin Public Health in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
But Jollon said she was recruited for the position and was not actively looking for new work. She maintained Wednesday she is not actively looking for new employment, but she reiterated concerns about the health department’s future.
“I’m still concerned about the uncertainties of San Juan Basin Public Health’s future until we are able to get through this conversation,” she said.
San Juan Basin Public Health’s Board of Directors is expected to meet with county commissioners for both Archuleta and La Plata counties to see if they can get on the same page and forge a path forward.
As of Wednesday, that meeting had not been set. Jollon said San Juan Basin Public Health has reached out to schedule a date, but a formal meeting has not been scheduled.
The meeting will be publicly noticed and open to the community once set, Jollon said.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
