Though it serves more people than Sonoma County, the Williamson County health agency has a vastly smaller budget and fewer personnel than the one Neal with be taking on Dec.1, his expected start date.
During an interview Friday, Neal acknowledged he has not headed a health agency as large as the local $275 million, 580-employee health services department.But he said he’s up for the challenge and brings a collaborative approach to solving some of the vexing public health issues Sonoma County faces, including homelessness, mental health and health care gaps between rural and urban areas.In a county news release, 5th District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins describes Neal as having “experience leading large public health departments,” making him well-suited for the job.