Health District Refines Leadership Structure, Sets Hiring Priorities

At its June 26 meeting, the Central Nevada Health District adopted a new organizational structure, two years after its formation, in an effort to better serve its member communities. The district adopted an organizational chart placing a combined Health Officer/Administrator role at the top, followed by an operations manager. Churchill County Social Services Director Shannon Ernst, the current interim director of CNHD, said she anticipated other roles in the chart could be combined due to the diverse skill sets of current employees. The goal will be to hire the Health Officer and Operations Manager first before filling other open positions.

The health district also voted to provide Ernst a monthly stipend of $2,000, retroactive to March 2025, for her service as interim administrator. She will receive the stipend until the new Health Officer/Administrator is hired and onboarded.

The Burning Man Project received approval for its Mass Temporary Event Permit application, as the event is held in Pershing County. The health district welcomed representatives from Burning Man and discussed several conditions imposed by CNHD on event organizers. 

CNHD members also discussed and/or voted on the following agenda items:

• Nichole Cooley was sworn in as a new member representing Eureka County
• Update on the Rural Residency Program from the UNR School of Medicine
• Renewal of the POOL/PACT insurance policy for fiscal year 2025–2026
• Ratified quote with CDP for $36,572 in clinical program software enhancements
• Ratified agreement with GP Global for $9,000 annually for two billboards
• Ratified contract with Before the Movie for $5,195 in advertisements
• Legislative report and impacts following the 83rd Legislative session
• Health officer and staff reports
• May 2025 fiscal review, including grant overview

The next CNHD meeting will be held August 14 at 1:30 p.m. Agendas are available at churchillcountynv.gov.