Colorado's Chief Medical Officer Resigns
Dr. Larry Wolk has accepted the role of chief medical officer with the Wonderful Company. "During his tenure, Larry has been challenged by marijuana legalization, increasing oil and gas development, and the domestic introductions of Ebola and Zika viruses, to name a few. His development of state plans to address these and other emerging issues are just a few examples of his impressive legacy," Gov. John Hickenlooper said.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper announced Aug. 3 that Dr. Larry Wolk, the state's chief medical officer and executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, is resigning. He has accepted the role of chief medical officer with the Wonderful Company, based in Santa Monica, Calif.
Wolk joined the governor's cabinet in September 2013, and he has a long list of accomplishments at CDPHE that have been recognized locally and nationally, according to the governor. "Larry's leadership and commitment to the environment and health of Colorado and our people is evident by across-the-board improvements. Our environment is cleaner and our people are healthier thanks to Larry's efforts," Hickenlooper said. "During his tenure, Larry has been challenged by marijuana legalization, increasing oil and gas development, and the domestic introductions of Ebola and Zika viruses, to name a few. His development of state plans to address these and other emerging issues are just a few examples of his impressive legacy."
"It has been my privilege and honor to work for Gov. Hickenlooper. He set out the goal to make Colorado the healthiest state, and I have tried to deliver on his vision," Wolk said. "Under his incredible leadership, the CDPHE has achieved nation-leading low teen pregnancy rates, reductions in methane and carbon emissions, and exemplary policy and programs regulating legalized adult-use marijuana."
Wolk will leave CDPHE at the end of August. Karin McGowan, the current deputy executive director, will serve as the interim executive director and Dr. Tista Ghosh, the current deputy medical officer, will serve as interim chief medical officer through the end of the governor's administration.