06/25/2024

Retirements, New RS and More!

Sean O'Brien, Karen Walega, Samantha Chartier

Sean O'Brien - Retirement

Sean O’Brien, director of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment for nearly four decades, is retiring on July 1. Starting as a Senior Environmental Specialist in 1987, he led essential programs protecting public health within Cape Cod’s 15 towns. He spearheaded the Cape Cod Rabies Task Force, fostering partnerships to eradicate rabies east of the Cape Cod Canal. Concurrently, as Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, he established and led the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee from 2001 to 2020, enhancing the County’s emergency response capabilities. Seven years ago, Sean became the Director of Health and Environment, making significant contributions, including leading regional efforts to combat COVID-19. Known for his compassion, knowledge, and dedication, Sean’s retirement leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our heartfelt thanks for his unwavering commitment to local public health. Happy Retirement!

Karen Walega - Retirement

Karen Walega, Rochester's Health Director, retired June 27 after 40 years in local public health. Walega started her local public health career in 1983 in Norwood as a sanitarian, and worked as an inspector in Bourne, Regional Sanitarian for the Acushnet-Marion-Rochester Health District, the Marion Rochester Health District and then since 2020 as the Rochester Health Director. She noted the many events throughout her career, from Title 5 revisions, to H1N1 and Covid-19 response and much more. Walega said she's been a MHOA member since she started and always enjoyed the MHOA trainings and connecting with colleagues over lunch. Walega plans to enjoy time with her family, golf, pickleball and gardening during her retirement. Thank you for your service to local public health. Congratulations and Best Wishes. Enjoy Retirement!

Samantha Chartier - REHS/RS 

Samantha Chartier, assistant environmental health director for the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, shared she recently passed her REHS/RS exam. She's a new MHOA member this year, and was awarded one of the MHOA/MEHA credentialing scholarships offered this spring. Congratulations to Samantha on her achievement!

Got News? Share it with MHOA!

MHOA will share member news in this section - help us keep it updated! Email news of retirements, promotions, CPH and REHS/RS exams, and more. Email Clariese Natal at cnatal@mhoa.com