Boulder County Public Health names new chief medical officer

Boulder County Public Health named Dr. Bob Belknap as the department's chief medical officer, effective April 1.

Belknap is a specialist in public health, infectious diseases and internal medicine, according to an announcement from Boulder County Public Health. He has been the director of the tuberculosis program for metro Denver counties since 2013 and currently serves as the interim executive director of the Public Health Institute at Denver Health and as chief medical officer for Broomfield County.

As chief medical officer, Belknap works directly with division directors at Boulder County Public Health to set the direction for medical response, coordinate with staff regarding health services and provide expert guidance to continue the department’s efforts to promote equitable and inclusive access to public health programs for people in the county.

“As an expert in public health and infectious diseases, Dr. Belknap will provide integral support in ensuring that BCPH is equipped to continue making well-informed decisions and providing essential information and resources to our community,” Executive Director Camille Rodriguez said in a release.

Belknap succeeds Dr. Michelle Haas who will continue to serve patients at Denver Health, the announcement added.

“I look forward to serving the people of Boulder County in this role, especially at this critical time," Belknap said. "The community has been through a great deal in the past two years, navigating the challenges and changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boulder County rose to the challenge, with an impressive effort to get vaccinated. I'm excited to work with the professionals at BCPH to support this progress and ensure that physical, mental and environmental health is valued, supported and that services are accessible to all.”