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Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore County Announce Personnel Updates 

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health and Baltimore County today announced that, as of March 4, 2024, Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch is no longer the Health Officer for Baltimore County and has departed County service. The Department and the County thank Dr. Branch for his service to the county and wish him well in his future endeavors. 

Effective today, Della Leister is the Interim Health Officer for the Baltimore County Health Department and will be named Acting Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health Department of Human Services.

Leister has served as Baltimore County’s Deputy Health Officer since 2010 and brings over 35 years of experience in the County’s Department of Health, having started her career as a public health nurse to homebound patients. Ms. Leister has been instrumental in emergency response planning activities within the Department, including leading numerous public health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Leister is a graduate of St. Joseph School of Nursing Diploma program and University of Maryland School of Nursing Bachelor’s in Nursing Program.

MDH and Baltimore County will be commencing a search for the next Baltimore County Health Officer.