MASON CITY – Brian Hanft, MPA, REHS will be the new leader for the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. Hanft will be taking over the Director of Public Health position after long-time Director Ron Osterholm retired last week with over 30 years of service.
For the last 17 years, Hanft has been the Environmental Health Service Manager at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. Brian was named Deputy Director of Public Health at the Department in 2005, placing him as second in command of the Department.
“Brian has a solid background in public health which made him a standout candidate for the position,” stated Dr. Mark Johnson, Chair of the Cerro Gordo County Board of Health. “We know he will be a strong leader and continue the legacy of excellence in human health and protecting our environment, and will add new and innovative approaches as we strive to improve the care of our community.”
Hanft holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning and a master’s in Public Health Administration. Prior to his arrival to Cerro Gordo County, Hanft worked for the Black Hawk County Department of Public Health, and Polk County Environmental Health.
Hanft has served as a member of many boards and committees including the State Hygienic Laboratory’s (SHL) Board of External Advisors, Vice President of the Free Clinic of Cerro Gordo County, Past-President of the Iowa Environmental Health Association, Iowa On-Site Waste Water Association Board, Iowa Groundwater Association Board, and the Iowa Environmental Health Emergency Response Team.
Hanft has also received many awards and honors during his career including the Iowa Environmental Health Association’s Environmental Health Professional of the Year Award, State Hygienic Laboratory’s Environmental and Public Health Ambassador, Iowa Public Health Association’s Harry Grant Award, University of Iowa College of Public Health “Iowa Public Health Hero” Award, and a two-time recipient of the National Environmental Health Association Certificate of Merit. Hanft has also served two terms on the Nora Springs City Council.
Hanft and his wife Trendy have two children and are residents of Nora Springs.
I am sure Brian will do a good job. He was well trained.
that was easy, he was a shoe in