Longstanding Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye will retire in March 2026 after more than two decades of service.
“Leading Sacramento County Public Health has been an extraordinary privilege,” said Dr. Kasirye. “I am most grateful for all of you. This community has shown strength and commitment to protecting each other during all the good times and in the face of many challenging times as well. That and the remarkable team at SCPH are what inspires me every day.”
She began her Sacramento County career in 2004 as a Senior Physician Manager, then served as El Dorado County’s Health Officer from 2009 to 2012 before returning to Sacramento in 2012 to lead SCPH. Dr. Kasirye set five priorities when she entered the role, all of which continue to define SCPH’s work today.
1. Strengthen disease response
2. Reduce health disparities
3. Confront the opioid epidemic
4. Build a resilient workforce
5. Achieve public health accreditation
The five priorities were advanced with lasting impact. Sacramento County achieved national public health accreditation in November 2024. SCPH built new equity and nursing units, expanded partnerships to improve birth outcomes and launched campaigns to prevent opioid overdoses among youth under her direction.
“Dr. Kasirye has been a compassionate and dedicated leader for Sacramento County," said First District Supervisor and Chair of the Board of Supervisors Phil Serna. "She guided us through unprecedented exigencies with rigor, significantly advanced health equity and safeguarded our most vulnerable residents. She leaves an enduring legacy.”
Colleagues describe Dr. Kasirye as a graceful leader people love working with. She inspires loyalty not only through her expertise but through an irreplaceable warmth and kindness she shows up to work with every day. Many staff say her ability to connect with people on a personal level sets her apart as a uniquely beloved leader in County government.
“Dr. Kasirye’s leadership has meant stability and trust for Sacramento County,” said District 2 Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. “We owe her a great deal for getting us through the pandemic. She led with transparency and put the health of the community first. We are grateful for her service.”
Dr. Kasirye leaves behind a legacy of strong partnerships, forward-thinking strategies and a public health system better prepared for the future. She will work with Department of Health Services Director Tim Lutz over the next several months to guide the transition and help identify the next Health Officer.
"Dr. Kasirye has been an exceptional leader,” said County Executive David Villanueva. “She built strong teams and responded decisively to complex public health challenges. We deeply appreciate her decades of service."