March 23, 2017

DOH Announces Two Leadership Appointments

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) announced Kelli T. Wells, MD, as Deputy Secretary for Health and Cindy Dick, MBA, CPM as Assistant Deputy Secretary for Health. As Deputy Secretary, Dr. Wells will oversee four divisions and two offices. Dr. Wells, currently serving as DOH-Duval director will continue in this capacity. Ms. Dick, as Assistant Deputy Secretary for Health, will aid in the oversight of these divisions and offices in Tallahassee. Ms. Dick is currently serving as director of the Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support.

“Throughout her career, Dr. Wells has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to caring for underserved communities and improving health equity,” said Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip. “Improving health equity—empowering each individual to achieve ideal health--is a strategic priority for the department and I am confident Kelli’s talent and capabilities will benefit our state. Ms. Dick has had an exceptional career in public health and safety and will be a critical member of our leadership team in this new capacity. Her expentisve experience preparing and responding to public health threats  Cindy’s emergency response experience and understanding of systems has equipped her with the skills to help oversee key agency functions.”

Current interim Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Anna Likos is retiring after an impressive clinical and public health career. Dr. Likos joined the department in 2013 as Disease Control and Health Protection Division Director and State Epidemiologist. Prior to her service in Florida, Dr. Likos held various roles for a decade at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She also recently retired her commissions as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard where she served as a physician ensuring that Air Force personnel were medically fit and ready for immediate deployment if required.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Likos for her expertise and leadership over the last several years,” said Dr. Philip. “Her global perspective has been especially beneficial in our response to limit the spread of the Zika virus and tackling our mission to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Florida. We wish Anna the best in her retirement and future endeavors.” 

Dr. Wells, a family physician, joined the department in June 2009 as the clinical services director for DOH-Escambia and was appointed director of DOH-Duval in 2013. Dr. Wells previously served as Chief Medical Officer at the Agape Community Health Center, Medical Director at the West Jacksonville Family Health Center, and Fast Track Physician at St. Vincent's Hospital emergency room.

Dr. Wells supports the department’s efforts to close disparity gaps as co-chair of the Health Equity Program Council. She serves the community and represents public health as a member of the Duval County Medical Society, the Duval County Medical Society Foundation, the Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council, and an ex-officio member of the Jacksonville City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee. She is a state representative to the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO). Dr. Wells graduated from the University of Florida's College of Medicine and received a Bachelor of Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

Most recently, Ms. Dick oversaw the Bureaus of Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Oversight, Radiation Control and Public Health Pharmacy. Cindy served as the Fire Chief for the City of Tallahassee from 2005-2013, a role in which she was responsible for guiding the direction and activities of the Tallahassee Fire Department. In previous positions, Cindy has served as a Fire Battalion Captain, Fire Lieutenant, and Firefighter. She also served as a fire service instructor for seven years at the Lively Area Vo-Tech Institute.

In her 28 years of experience in emergency preparedness and response services, Cindy has been recognized nationally for her work and has held several positions with organizations such as the Florida Fire Chief’s Association, Florida Domestic Security Oversight Council, North Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force and Florida Domestic Security Resource Committee. Along with a successful career with the City of Tallahassee, Cindy was named the 2012 Florida Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chief’s Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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