CONTACT: Renae Miller, Public Information Supervisor, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, (360) 463-0362 or renae.miller@co.thurston.wa.us; Dr. Jen Freiheit, Director, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services

Thurston County Welcomes New Health Officer
Dr. Barbra Villona begins role in the County’s Public Health & Social Services department.

OLYMPIA – Thurston County announced today it has hired a new health officer to serve in the County’s Public Health & Social Services Department (PHSS). Dr. Barbra Villona will serve as the County’s lead medical authority on communicable disease response, health advisories, and key public health policy decisions.

The announcement comes after a year-long, highly competitive recruitment process. Barbra Villona, MD, MPH&TM, DTM&H, FACEP has officially begun her role, bringing decades of medical, public health, and global health experience to our community.

“On behalf of the entire Thurston County leadership team, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Villona as our new Public Health Officer,” said Thurston County Manager, Leonard Hernandez. “She brings a rare and valuable set of skills to our already exceptional Public Health team, and I know that together, they will elevate our efforts to ensure every resident has access to the information and care they need to thrive. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group."

Prior to joining Thurston County, Dr. Villona served as a Deputy Public Health Officer for Josephine County, Oregon, where she provided the local health care community with the information, they needed during the COVID-19 response. 

With 30 years of experience as an Emergency Medicine physician, including recent practice in rural southern Oregon, Dr. Villona brings a deep understanding of clinical medicine and community health. Much of her career has also been spent overseas, delivering medical care in resource-limited settings.

Thurston County’s PHSS Director Dr. Jen Freiheit welcomed Dr. Villona to the team, stating that her extensive experience, leadership, and passion for public health will be invaluable as the County continues to address both ongoing and emerging health challenges. 

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Villona join our team,” said Dr. Jen Freiheit. “After thorough vetting by the Thurston County Board of Health, and the County’s Human Resources Department, it was decided that Dr. Villona’s expertise would greatly benefit Thurston County. We look forward to sharing broader awareness of public health data and science to all corners of the county.”

Dr. Villona succeeds the County’s former health officer, Dr. Abdelmalek.