Mayor Nominates Kernen as Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director
Published on September 25, 2024
Lopez announces retirement after decades of service
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today announced her nomination and intent to appoint Kerry Kernen as the next Director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD). Kernen would replace Pat Lopez, whose retirement takes effect October 31. Kernen, currently the Assistant Health Director, would start November 1, following approval by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Board of Health, Lincoln City Council, and the Lancaster County Board.
“Kerry Kernen’s expertise and experienced leadership in public health make her the right choice to lead our Health Department into the future, ensuring that the health and safety of our residents remain the top priority,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said.
Kernen joined the Health Department in 2021 as Manager of Community Health Services for LLCHD and was made Assistant Health Director in May 2023. Prior to working in Lincoln, Kernen was Chief of Community Health and Nutrition Services for the Douglas County Health Department, and CEO of Health 360 Integrated Care/Regional Administration of BH Services for the Southeast Region for Lutheran Family Services. She also served in the Summit County Public Health Department in Ohio for more than 15 years.
Kernen has an MPA-MSN in Public Administration-Nursing from Kent State University, and a BSN-RN, Nursing from Midland University.
“It’s truly an honor to be nominated to serve our Lincoln and Lancaster County communities,” Kernen said. “Public health has been my career and passion for more than 25 years. It’s been a privilege to work under Director Lopez’s leadership and with the amazing team at the Health Department. Their wisdom, experience and dedication are an inspiration to me. I look forward to leading the Department and working with partners, community leaders and elected officials as we continue to protect and promote the public’s health.”
Lopez has served as Health Director since August 2020. During her tenure she led the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheaded the implementation of the Family Connects Program that provides Lancaster County families with infants home visits by a public health nurse and established the Lead Safe Lincoln program in collaboration with the Urban Development and Transportation and Utilities departments.
“Pat Lopez has given so much of herself to protect the health and safety of our community members, especially during the most challenging times. Her unwavering commitment saved lives, and her leadership strengthened the bonds that hold us together,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “Pat, thank you for showing us what it means to lead with both strength and compassion – your legacy of selfless service will continue to inspire us all.”
Lopez previously worked for the Department in several roles from 1975 until her retirement in 2004, including Public Health Nurse, Division Manager, and Consultant. She rejoined the Health Department as Interim Director in May 2019, following the death of Shavonna Lausterer, who had been Health Director since September 2017.
Lopez played a pivotal role in national accreditation efforts for local health departments including LLCHD. She was also instrumental in the passage of the Nebraska Health Care Funding Act (LB 692) by the Nebraska Legislature in 2001. The Act created a statewide local public health system covering all 93 Nebraska counties and provides an ongoing funding source for the local health departments.
“The greatest honor of my career has been serving our wonderful community. I want to thank the community, all our partners, local leaders and elected officials for their involvement and support of public health, during even the most challenging times. I also want to recognize the professional and highly trained staff at the Health Department. This team is well positioned to continue to move the health of our community forward,” Lopez said.