The city Board of Health interviewed an experienced Michigan woman today in closed session, and later directed city staff to negotiate terms of employment in anticipation of appointing her to the position, pending City Council approval.
The candidate is Dottie-Kay Bowersox, who now is project director of the Michigan Public Health Institute in Okemos, MI. A release from the mayor's office says she has 23-years' experience, as well as a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.
She as been in Okemos since May 2008. Previously, her experience includes:
- Health Officer, Calhoun County Public Health Department, Battle Creek, MI; October 2005 – May 2008
- Deputy Health Officer/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Jackson County Health Department, Jackson, MI; May 2000 – October 2005
- Acting Health Officer, Calhoun County Public Health Department, Battle Creek, MI; September 2002 – February 2003 and May 1999 – May 2000
- Administrative Services Supervisor/Public Health Analyst, Calhoun County Public Health Department, Battle Creek, MI; April 1996 – May 1999
- Executive Director, Aware, Inc, Jackson, MI; August 1989 – March 1996
- Executive Director, Oaklawn Life Improvement Center, Marshall, MI; October 1986 – August 1989
The hiring, if it takes place, would finally end a situation that began last December, when former city administrator Ben Hughes gave public health administrator Janelle Grammer a negative review and she responded with a harrassment lawsuit, later dismissed by the state, and a very public trial before the City Council in June -- after which she was fired. Marcia Fernholz, who filled in as interim public health administrator, was prohibited from applying for the job because she lacks the required master's degree.
It's unclear how many of the health department's other vacancies still exist. At one point, in addition to a director, the city also was looking for a sanitarian, nurse and dietitian.
THIS is who this came down to? Nobody with an MPH from a great university applied? We are getting a BS in “management of human resources” from Spring Arbor University, and an associate of fine arts in graphic design and photography from the Kendal School of Design in Grand Rapids – who has walked up the ladder.
ReplyDeleteAsk her about basic epidemiology and statistics, and we’ll be paying $300 an hour for consultants. Racine is a joke!
Does Ms. Bowersox have "an appointment" at a University too? I recall Alderman Helding scolding me for questioning "Dr." Kinzelman's resume - he pointed out that she has "an appointment" at Parkside. I checked - she is a VOLUNTEER:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.uwp.edu/search/detail.cfm?uid=kinzelma
Why wouldn't this person have some sort of medical education. Obviously it is good she has administration education, but I would think the head of the health department would be an RN or have some education pertaining to health.
ReplyDeleteIs this included in the 10 year plan?
ReplyDeleteShe has a masters in administration and the job title says administrator. She has medical experience at a public health institute and the position is for public health.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm stupid, but she sounds qualified to me. She's not expected to do surgery for crying out loud.
No surgery, but she will be getting well over $100,000 per year and needs to understand epidemiology, statistics AND public policy. Who else applied and why did it come down to her? Again, I'll bet Ivy League and Big Ten MPHs applied -
ReplyDeleteWhy is Dickert hiring a Public Health Administrator that will make more money than Milwaukee's?
ReplyDeleteThought MOnte was getting the job?
ReplyDeleteHere's a local posting who applied and knows Racine already, has an MPH with a respectful GPA, graduated from a top-notch university close-by, am well-qualified with years of solid experience, knows stats and epi, a military vet, and didn't even get a chance at an interview out of the 37 who applied. Supposedly it was due to not meeting "the criteria established by the City of Racine." I thought it was at least common-place (and smart) to interview and hire more well-qualified locals whenever possible?? That's okay (it's your loss) since voting is coming up again next year and in the years ahead where we can express ourselves regarding our elected officials (and we will)! BTW, the salary range was $80,433-$108,584 (the mid $80's would be my guess for the new person so she can move slowly up the payscale before retiring in 10-15 years back on the east bank of Lake Michigan).
ReplyDelete"Again, I'll bet Ivy League and Big Ten MPHs applied "
ReplyDeleteTo work here? With this bunch of employees? I doubt it.
I'm sorry anon 11:41 - but I see this all the time, especially in the public sector. These people don't know the difference between an MPH from Johns Hopkins and a master's in administration from Kaplan, and we pay top dollar for al of this.
ReplyDeleteYou are wrong about the salary - they will spin her experience into the highest salary possible, which would be fine IF SHE HAD THE EDUCATION AND ABILITY. One can work in a health department for life and never read or write a paper or analyze anything (that's what expensive consultants are for).
11:41 - Don't you know the rule, you never burn any bridges when looking for a job. Your comments above will be read by those involved in the hiring process. You have no idea what they will share about you with others. You follow this golden rule when looking for a job or if you are laid off - never burn bridges it's likely to come back and bite you in the ass if you do.
ReplyDeleteAnon 9:10AM- Dickert, are you threatening people? I better put on my tin foil hat to hide the brain waves.
ReplyDelete9:35 - It is just good business sense - apparently you have none and your job search will be unsuccessful as well until you develop some business acumen.
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:41 - I hope you don't listen to 9:10/9:42. Your bridge was pre-burned with these people and anyone whop would listen to anything they said about you, well, you wouldn't want to work there either.
ReplyDelete"Just good business sense" 9:10/9:42 - you are a clown! You do realize that defamation is wonderful grounds for a lawsuit so I hope you have lots of money to give away!
10:33 - you are na idiot - try provoing defamation. The bottom line is "DON'T BURN ANY BRIDGES" iI am done with you, you are dismissed.
ReplyDeleteBoy that was some bad typing on my part - I do know how to spell - I just don't type very well.
ReplyDelete9:10/9:42 AM- The person was anonymous, so no bridges were burned. Unless of course Dickert is trying to get IP addresses to crush his enemies.
ReplyDelete1:47 - I was really stating it in general. However, they might be able to tie it into resume's received. Usually when someone complains about a job or company etc., they don't don't just do it once, they have to let the whole world know.
ReplyDeleteDon't argue with the true intellect. Or should I say donnut arguu with the teroo indelect. Who typed the last post for you?
ReplyDelete