Director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Pat Lopez has announced her plans to retire.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird submit her nomination for Lopez’ replacement Wednesday, recommending current Assistant Director Kerry Kernen for the roll.
Following approval by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Board of Health, Lincoln City Council, and the Lancaster County Board, Lopez’ last day on the job will be October 31, with Kernen starting the next day on November 1.
Lopez has served as Health Director since August 2020 and first joined the department in 1975, serving in a variety of rolls until her retirement in 2004. She rejoined the Health Department as Interim Director in May 2019, following the death of Shavonna Lausterer, who had been Health Director since September 2017.
During her tenure she oversaw the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced the ‘Family Connects Program’ which provides home visits by public health nurses for families newborn infants, and established the Lead Safe Lincoln program in collaboration with the Urban Development and Transportation and Utilities departments.
Lopez’ legacy is felt statewide, as she was instrumental in the passage of the Nebraska Health Care Funding Act (LB 692) by the Nebraska Legislature in 2001. The Act created a statewide local public health system covering all 93 Nebraska counties and provides an ongoing funding source for the local health departments.
“Pat Lopez has given so much of herself to protect the health and safety of our community members, especially during the most challenging times. Her unwavering commitment saved lives, and her leadership strengthened the bonds that hold us together,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “Pat, thank you for showing us what it means to lead with both strength and compassion – your legacy of selfless service will continue to inspire us all.”
“The greatest honor of my career has been serving our wonderful community. I want to thank the community, all our partners, local leaders and elected officials for their involvement and support of public health, during even the most challenging times. I also want to recognize the professional and highly trained staff at the Health Department. This team is well positioned to continue to move the health of our community forward,” Lopez said.
Kernen joined the Health Department in 2021 as Manager of Community Health Services for LLCHD and was made Assistant Health Director in May 2023. Prior to working in Lincoln, Kernen was Chief of Community Health and Nutrition Services for the Douglas County Health Department, and CEO of Health 360 Integrated Care/Regional Administration of BH Services for the Southeast Region for Lutheran Family Services. She also served in the Summit County Public Health Department in Ohio for more than 15 years.
“It’s truly an honor to be nominated to serve our Lincoln and Lancaster County communities,” Kernen said. “Public health has been my career and passion for more than 25 years. It’s been a privilege to work under Director Lopez’s leadership and with the amazing team at the Health Department. Their wisdom, experience and dedication are an inspiration to me. I look forward to leading the Department and working with partners, community leaders and elected officials as we continue to protect and promote the public’s health.”