The State Board of Health Welcomes Newest Member James Lewis, MD, MPH
Tumwater, WA – May 12, 2026 – Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer for Snohomish County Health Department, to the Washington State Board of Health (Board). Dr. Lewis fills the position of a local health officer representing state local health jurisdictions.
Dr. Lewis is a board-certified physician in internal medicine, preventive medicine, and infectious disease, with a Master of Public Health in epidemiology. He brings extensive experience in communicable disease prevention, clinical practice, and public health leadership at both state and local levels.
Before his role in Snohomish County, Dr. Lewis served as the Medical Epidemiologist, leading the COVID-19 response in healthcare settings for Public Health – Seattle & King County. He also previously served as medical director of the Surveillance of Healthcare Associated and Resistant Pathogens Patient Safety Program at the North Carolina Division of Public Health. In that role, he helped oversee statewide efforts focused on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.
“I’m honored to work with fellow Board Members,” said Dr. Lewis, who will continue serving full-time as Health Officer for the Snohomish County Health Department. “The Board works on a wide range of policies and issues – including community water fluoridation, reducing exposure to harmful environmental toxins like lead, and ensuring our ability to monitor diseases – that protect and promote the health of all people in Washington state.”
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Lewis to the State Board of Health,” said Patty Hayes, Board Chair. “His expertise in infectious disease prevention, epidemiology, and public health leadership will strengthen the Board’s mission to advance the health and well-being of all people in Washington state.”
Dr. Lewis earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. He then completed fellowships in infectious diseases and preventive medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. He holds adjunct faculty appointments with the UNC School of Medicine, the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Dr. Lewis will join the next Board of Health meeting on August 12, 2026. The final agenda and meeting materials will be available on the meeting webpage on August 5, 2026.
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Established by the state constitution in 1889, the State Board of Health has served the people of Washington for 137 years, providing leadership and advancing public health practices that protect and improve the public’s health. Our work focuses on analyzing policies, developing rules, promoting partnerships, and encouraging public engagement in the public health system.
Media contact information
Michelle Larson
Communication Manager
Washington State Board of Health
Michelle.Larson@sboh.wa.gov
(360) 236-4102
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