After 36 years of service with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), Homer J. Rice, RS, MPH, PhD, has announced he will be retiring as Administrator of DOH in Leon County on July 10. Holly Kirsch will serve as Interim Administrator while a permanent replacement is found.
“Dr. Rice’s career reflects a genuine commitment to promoting public health,” said Deputy Secretary for Statewide Services Meade Grigg. “His service over three decades in Sarasota and Leon Counties is greatly appreciated.”
As DOH-Leon Administrator, Dr. Rice managed a staff of 182 employees and coordinated a variety of public health activities, including administrative services, chronic disease, clinical health services, epidemiology, environmental health, and HIV/AIDS education. Under his leadership, DOH-Leon saw increased efficiency through the consolidation of operations, the implementation of a Minority Health Program and a dental screening program for pregnant women to improve birth outcomes, as well as the introduction of chronic disease and obesity programs.
