Tucson Standard

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has announced that Dr. Theresa Cullen will be joining her administration as the state’s Department of Health Services director.

Cullen joins the administration after recently serving as director of the Pima County Health Department. She ushered the county through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing guidance on vaccinations and contact tracing.  

“These are some of the best minds Arizona has to offer, and I am proud that they have chosen to serve the people of Arizona by my side,” Hobbs told KGun9.com of her incoming cabinet members.

Hobbs later took to social media to tweet "excited to announce several of the dedicated professionals who will run Arizona’s health and human services state agencies and help build an Arizona for everyone."

Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher also praised Cullen’s appointment.

“Dr. Thresa Cullen has been an outstanding leader and advocate for public health during her tenure as Pima County’s health director," she said. "I congratulate Dr. Cullen and wish her the very best in her new position.”

Lesher added that she has asked Dr. Francisco Garcia to serve as the interim director of the Pina County Health Department until a permanent director is named following a national search.