1/27/2021
To whom it concerns
I have had the privilege of working with Kirsten Johnson since the onset of COVID outbreak in WI. She has always been a calm and thoughtful source of information, clarification, suggestions as well as a sounding board for questions, thoughts, and ideas. I so appreciate her knowledge and professionalism, perhaps even more I appreciate her willingness to share her knowledge in navigating through unprecedented times in health care. I wholeheartedly support her appointment as Commissioner of Health for the City of Milwaukee.
Pam Gaurkee, RN BSN
Director of Clinical Operations
Capri Senior Communities
I am sure there were other qualified candidates who were shortchanged by the abrupt appointment announcement. How was this appointment process handled? This appointee does not appear to have the connectedness to relate to the vast majority of individuals she will serve. Experience on paper doesn’t deem suitability for the environment or population served within our community. I’m confident that reviewing the full slate of candidates will allow appointment of someone else, more viable to our community.
I strongly support the appointment of Kirsten Johnson. Having worked along side her for 5 years, I know she is dedicated to her craft. She is strongly committed to addressing public health disparities in the community. Kirsten is tenacious and will advocate for ALL citizens of Milwaukee. I have learned a great deal while under her leadership and know of her absolute commitment to health equity in the community. She is the leader you want at the helm during this global health crises. She will not let the citizens of Milwaukee down.
I am in support of Kirsten Johnson. She is an incredible partner and leader as was extremely instrumental in navigating the pandemic, which disproportionately impacts the elderly. My role as a leader in one of Wisconsin’s largest senior living providers with communities in Washington County and the City of Milwaukee put me in day to day contact with Kirsten. She was accessible, responsive and consistently used data to drive her guidance and decision making. She is smart, strategic and transparent. Her role leading Washington and Ozaukee counties was an enormous task which she had led with composure and accessibility when working with me and the hundreds of other leaders in these counties. She would a be a great asset for the City of Milwaukee residents and could step in immediately and provide value with no learning curve.
I am concerned that this candidate will only serve in this capacity long enough to build resume experience and then she will leave. The city health department has had major turnover, especially with health commissioners. How are we ensuring sustainability? How long does this candidate intend serve?
In 2019, Mayor Barrett congratulated NEWaukee for its success in attracting and retaining young professionals in Milwaukee, and promoting emerging talent. This same year, the Mayor also stated talent and commitment are qualities he sees throughout Milwaukee and is the simple formula for success. Let’s not count out our young professional leaders. We have seen young leaders do wonderful things throughout the city. Age does not equate experience. Young does not mean no experience and older does not mean experienced. Perhaps it’s time the city attracts a young and vibrant leader who will have new, fresh, innovative ideas to help move forward the department.
Does this candidate have any knowledge or experience regarding the departments most recent strategic plan and goals? If so, this candidate needs to share with the community how she plans to address these areas as her resume does not speak to any related experiences.
The lack of community engagement experience in this candidate’s background is alarming. Milwaukee is the biggest urban area in the state - what local community networks or organizations is this candidate currently involved in? How long has this candidate been a resident of Milwaukee? I am curious to know if there were any other candidates with both lived and work experience? The city has lacked attracting and retaining local talent that is right beneath our eyes. Are we selecting a candidate for optics over experience? Why are we not giving individuals who look like the community the opportunity to apply their talents and skills to the department?
Please vote to appoint Kirsten Johnson. As a teacher in the City of Milwaukee, I am appalled and concerned regarding the ongoing lead issue our residents and children face. We need someone who is ready to tackle this issue head on to improve the chances of our kids success and futures. I support Kirsten Johnson and thank you for your consideration.
I’m am writing this in support of Kirsten Johnson’s appointment. I have been following Ms. Johnson since her name was announced and believe she is ready for the job. Ms. Johnson has a decade of experience in governmental public health and has lead her department through the pandemic. Just this week, vaccine clinics were opened to people who are 65 and older in her counties, while thousands of elderly in Milwaukee continue to wait for their turn. We urgently need someone who is willing to make tough decisions and find solutions for the problems that continue to plague Milwaukee. Please vote to appoint Ms. Johnson.
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council Members, as a District 1 resident of Milwaukee, I am writing to you in support of Kirsten Johnson’s appointment as Milwaukee’s next Health Commissioner. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Kirsten and I am completely confident in her ability to lead the City of Milwaukee Health Department.
Kirsten is a strong leader who leads with integrity, honesty, and compassion. Deeply committed to social justice and health equity, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve her well in her role. She also brings with her a large statewide and national network of colleagues, peers, and professionals in public health. Lastly, Kirsten believes in and practices transparency in her leadership, which is what we need right now. We need a social justice champion who is willing to stand up for what’s right and necessary in order to make Milwaukee the healthiest city in the State. Without hesitation, I strongly implore you to support the appointment of Kirsten Johnson as the new Milwaukee Health Commissioner. Thank you.
What local policies has this candidate developed and implemented that demonstrates her ability to understand, advocate for, and improve the health in underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods? Finally, what work locally toward racial equity and diversity and inclusion has she been involved in? A candidate that understands the community in these unprecedented times is necessary specifically for health inequities that typically plague black and brown communities. An impressive resume is fine, but it was my understanding the other candidate for this position had substantial community experience. With so much skepticism in the community around the COVID vaccine and its efficiency, it is important to have a commissioner that has experience communicating with those that need it most during this time. Furthermore, there is nothing that indicates the current candidate has any involvement in any local community networks or organizations. If there is anything that 2020 taught this country is that representation matters especially in a situation. I OPPOSE!
While COVID-19 has been an unprecedented challenge among us all, it is important that we do not forget about lead safety. What specific strategic plans does this candidate have to address the ongoing lead crisis in the city? What is her experience in lead-safe programs?
COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact people of color and certain communities. When comparing COVID response in counties she has led (Ozaukee and Washington), there are ZERO COVID orders or enforcement of anything including the statewide mask mandate. Positivity rates are 17.9% in Ozaukee County and 21.3% in Washington County! Milwaukee is at 7.7%! Is she going to make us backslide? Did she give into political pressure? If so, how will she advocate for the Milwaukee community in the face of picking pressure? If not political pressure, what is her excuse for failing to put measures in place to protect the communities she served?
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council members, I am writing to oppose the appointment of Kirsten Johnson as Commissioner of Health. Transparency continues to be a major issue impacting city departments and leadership. I was hoping the city was turning a new page when we saw how the Chief of Police process was executed. I particularly enjoyed being able to watch the paneled interviews on social media and provide input as a citizen of the city. What was the initial hiring process for selecting a Commissioner of Health? Did the city deviate from this process at all? Why did the city not provide an opportunity for community input until now? Were the staff or Deputy Commissioners of the health department involved at all in this process? Given the number of Commissioners (permanent or interim) in the last 4-5 years, in addition to the continuous health department staff turnover, it may have been a great idea for the community/staff to offer their opinions on who they believe is best suited to lead the department.
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council members: I served as Associate Medical Director / Medical Director for the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) for 26 years, from December 1993 through December 2019, working under six different Health Commissioners. As such, I am well aware of the issues and challenges facing MHD's next Health Commissioner, and I am writing in support of the appointment of Kirsten Johnson to be the next person to fill that role. I have worked with Ms. Johnson for 15 years, first in her role at MCW's Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute, subsequently in her role as Director of the Ozaukee-Washington County Health Department, and throughout that time through our involvement with the Wisconsin Public Health Association. Ms. Johnson has the skills, knowldege, and experience to meet the internal and external issues and challenges of MHD, and to successfully advance the health of the Milwaukee public broadly. She will be an excellent leader for MHD, and the City will be very fortunate to have her. Her commitment to public health and health equity is deep, and she has my strongest recommendation. Thank you. - Geoffrey R. Swain, MD, MPH.
Historically, The Health Commissioner has been another political puppet in our government, rather than a person focused on studying and addressing the culture, life styles of the residence of this city and its surrounding communities. We need someone with experience in working in Urban communities. Our issues of Lead in our water, Covid-19 Virus vaccinations, increase in senior population, and minority population, in addition to people returning from incarceration need leadership to address services to reduce health disparities. We need leadership in developing partnerships with the public education system, the business community and the higher education venues to secure resources and employment opportunities in health occupations. Who are all of the candidates that applied and made it as a finalist to interview?
There is a current study to examine the feasibility of combining Milwaukee County's 11 health departments into one, county-level health department. All of the health departments in the county are underfunded at this time, and there are growing concerns that any merger would lead to a further reduction in services and/or that each area's unique needs would have an even harder time being met. The City of Milwaukee, in particular, would risk losing the ability to center concerns of Black and Brown residents who make up a majority of the city's population. A merger would also be unlikely to address the chronic underfunding issues facing our public health infrastructure. With some city residents fearing that a merger would lead to the "gentrification of public health", how can such an merger be examined through an economic and racial justice lens?
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council members, I am writing in support of the appointment of Kirsten Johnson for the next Commissioner of Health. I know Kirsten to be the utmost public health professional, as well as one of the mot innovative public health leaders in Wisconsin. I believe she is exactly what the Health Department needs at this moment. Not only will she usher the Health Department and the City through this pandemic, she will also set the department on a trajectory to become a national leader. Thank you for your consideration. Raisa Koltun
1/27/2021
To whom it concerns
I have had the privilege of working with Kirsten Johnson since the onset of COVID outbreak in WI. She has always been a calm and thoughtful source of information, clarification, suggestions as well as a sounding board for questions, thoughts, and ideas. I so appreciate her knowledge and professionalism, perhaps even more I appreciate her willingness to share her knowledge in navigating through unprecedented times in health care. I wholeheartedly support her appointment as Commissioner of Health for the City of Milwaukee.
Pam Gaurkee, RN BSN
Director of Clinical Operations
Capri Senior Communities
I am sure there were other qualified candidates who were shortchanged by the abrupt appointment announcement. How was this appointment process handled? This appointee does not appear to have the connectedness to relate to the vast majority of individuals she will serve. Experience on paper doesn’t deem suitability for the environment or population served within our community. I’m confident that reviewing the full slate of candidates will allow appointment of someone else, more viable to our community.
I strongly support the appointment of Kirsten Johnson. Having worked along side her for 5 years, I know she is dedicated to her craft. She is strongly committed to addressing public health disparities in the community. Kirsten is tenacious and will advocate for ALL citizens of Milwaukee. I have learned a great deal while under her leadership and know of her absolute commitment to health equity in the community. She is the leader you want at the helm during this global health crises. She will not let the citizens of Milwaukee down.
I am in support of Kirsten Johnson. She is an incredible partner and leader as was extremely instrumental in navigating the pandemic, which disproportionately impacts the elderly. My role as a leader in one of Wisconsin’s largest senior living providers with communities in Washington County and the City of Milwaukee put me in day to day contact with Kirsten. She was accessible, responsive and consistently used data to drive her guidance and decision making. She is smart, strategic and transparent. Her role leading Washington and Ozaukee counties was an enormous task which she had led with composure and accessibility when working with me and the hundreds of other leaders in these counties. She would a be a great asset for the City of Milwaukee residents and could step in immediately and provide value with no learning curve.
I am concerned that this candidate will only serve in this capacity long enough to build resume experience and then she will leave. The city health department has had major turnover, especially with health commissioners. How are we ensuring sustainability? How long does this candidate intend serve?
In 2019, Mayor Barrett congratulated NEWaukee for its success in attracting and retaining young professionals in Milwaukee, and promoting emerging talent. This same year, the Mayor also stated talent and commitment are qualities he sees throughout Milwaukee and is the simple formula for success. Let’s not count out our young professional leaders. We have seen young leaders do wonderful things throughout the city. Age does not equate experience. Young does not mean no experience and older does not mean experienced. Perhaps it’s time the city attracts a young and vibrant leader who will have new, fresh, innovative ideas to help move forward the department.
Does this candidate have any knowledge or experience regarding the departments most recent strategic plan and goals? If so, this candidate needs to share with the community how she plans to address these areas as her resume does not speak to any related experiences.
The lack of community engagement experience in this candidate’s background is alarming. Milwaukee is the biggest urban area in the state - what local community networks or organizations is this candidate currently involved in? How long has this candidate been a resident of Milwaukee? I am curious to know if there were any other candidates with both lived and work experience? The city has lacked attracting and retaining local talent that is right beneath our eyes. Are we selecting a candidate for optics over experience? Why are we not giving individuals who look like the community the opportunity to apply their talents and skills to the department?
How can we elevate leadership and funding for successful community-embedded and engagement efforts like the Office of Violence Prevention?
Please vote to appoint Kirsten Johnson. As a teacher in the City of Milwaukee, I am appalled and concerned regarding the ongoing lead issue our residents and children face. We need someone who is ready to tackle this issue head on to improve the chances of our kids success and futures. I support Kirsten Johnson and thank you for your consideration.
I’m am writing this in support of Kirsten Johnson’s appointment. I have been following Ms. Johnson since her name was announced and believe she is ready for the job. Ms. Johnson has a decade of experience in governmental public health and has lead her department through the pandemic. Just this week, vaccine clinics were opened to people who are 65 and older in her counties, while thousands of elderly in Milwaukee continue to wait for their turn. We urgently need someone who is willing to make tough decisions and find solutions for the problems that continue to plague Milwaukee. Please vote to appoint Ms. Johnson.
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council Members, as a District 1 resident of Milwaukee, I am writing to you in support of Kirsten Johnson’s appointment as Milwaukee’s next Health Commissioner. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Kirsten and I am completely confident in her ability to lead the City of Milwaukee Health Department.
Kirsten is a strong leader who leads with integrity, honesty, and compassion. Deeply committed to social justice and health equity, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve her well in her role. She also brings with her a large statewide and national network of colleagues, peers, and professionals in public health. Lastly, Kirsten believes in and practices transparency in her leadership, which is what we need right now. We need a social justice champion who is willing to stand up for what’s right and necessary in order to make Milwaukee the healthiest city in the State. Without hesitation, I strongly implore you to support the appointment of Kirsten Johnson as the new Milwaukee Health Commissioner. Thank you.
What local policies has this candidate developed and implemented that demonstrates her ability to understand, advocate for, and improve the health in underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods? Finally, what work locally toward racial equity and diversity and inclusion has she been involved in? A candidate that understands the community in these unprecedented times is necessary specifically for health inequities that typically plague black and brown communities. An impressive resume is fine, but it was my understanding the other candidate for this position had substantial community experience. With so much skepticism in the community around the COVID vaccine and its efficiency, it is important to have a commissioner that has experience communicating with those that need it most during this time. Furthermore, there is nothing that indicates the current candidate has any involvement in any local community networks or organizations. If there is anything that 2020 taught this country is that representation matters especially in a situation. I OPPOSE!
While COVID-19 has been an unprecedented challenge among us all, it is important that we do not forget about lead safety. What specific strategic plans does this candidate have to address the ongoing lead crisis in the city? What is her experience in lead-safe programs?
COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact people of color and certain communities. When comparing COVID response in counties she has led (Ozaukee and Washington), there are ZERO COVID orders or enforcement of anything including the statewide mask mandate. Positivity rates are 17.9% in Ozaukee County and 21.3% in Washington County! Milwaukee is at 7.7%! Is she going to make us backslide? Did she give into political pressure? If so, how will she advocate for the Milwaukee community in the face of picking pressure? If not political pressure, what is her excuse for failing to put measures in place to protect the communities she served?
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council members, I am writing to oppose the appointment of Kirsten Johnson as Commissioner of Health. Transparency continues to be a major issue impacting city departments and leadership. I was hoping the city was turning a new page when we saw how the Chief of Police process was executed. I particularly enjoyed being able to watch the paneled interviews on social media and provide input as a citizen of the city. What was the initial hiring process for selecting a Commissioner of Health? Did the city deviate from this process at all? Why did the city not provide an opportunity for community input until now? Were the staff or Deputy Commissioners of the health department involved at all in this process? Given the number of Commissioners (permanent or interim) in the last 4-5 years, in addition to the continuous health department staff turnover, it may have been a great idea for the community/staff to offer their opinions on who they believe is best suited to lead the department.
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council members: I served as Associate Medical Director / Medical Director for the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) for 26 years, from December 1993 through December 2019, working under six different Health Commissioners. As such, I am well aware of the issues and challenges facing MHD's next Health Commissioner, and I am writing in support of the appointment of Kirsten Johnson to be the next person to fill that role. I have worked with Ms. Johnson for 15 years, first in her role at MCW's Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute, subsequently in her role as Director of the Ozaukee-Washington County Health Department, and throughout that time through our involvement with the Wisconsin Public Health Association. Ms. Johnson has the skills, knowldege, and experience to meet the internal and external issues and challenges of MHD, and to successfully advance the health of the Milwaukee public broadly. She will be an excellent leader for MHD, and the City will be very fortunate to have her. Her commitment to public health and health equity is deep, and she has my strongest recommendation. Thank you. - Geoffrey R. Swain, MD, MPH.
Historically, The Health Commissioner has been another political puppet in our government, rather than a person focused on studying and addressing the culture, life styles of the residence of this city and its surrounding communities. We need someone with experience in working in Urban communities. Our issues of Lead in our water, Covid-19 Virus vaccinations, increase in senior population, and minority population, in addition to people returning from incarceration need leadership to address services to reduce health disparities. We need leadership in developing partnerships with the public education system, the business community and the higher education venues to secure resources and employment opportunities in health occupations. Who are all of the candidates that applied and made it as a finalist to interview?
There is a current study to examine the feasibility of combining Milwaukee County's 11 health departments into one, county-level health department. All of the health departments in the county are underfunded at this time, and there are growing concerns that any merger would lead to a further reduction in services and/or that each area's unique needs would have an even harder time being met. The City of Milwaukee, in particular, would risk losing the ability to center concerns of Black and Brown residents who make up a majority of the city's population. A merger would also be unlikely to address the chronic underfunding issues facing our public health infrastructure. With some city residents fearing that a merger would lead to the "gentrification of public health", how can such an merger be examined through an economic and racial justice lens?
Dear Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and Common Council members, I am writing in support of the appointment of Kirsten Johnson for the next Commissioner of Health. I know Kirsten to be the utmost public health professional, as well as one of the mot innovative public health leaders in Wisconsin. I believe she is exactly what the Health Department needs at this moment. Not only will she usher the Health Department and the City through this pandemic, she will also set the department on a trajectory to become a national leader. Thank you for your consideration. Raisa Koltun