San Luis Obispo County health officer to retire after 18 years
Dr. Penny Borenstein.
Dr. Borenstein led county through COVID-19 pandemic and multiple disease outbreaks
– Dr. Penny Borenstein has announced her retirement as San Luis Obispo County health officer and public health administrator, effective July 3, according to an announcement this week from the County of San Luis Obispo Health Agency.
Borenstein has held the position since 2008, leading the county’s public health initiatives through multiple disease outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, she issued public health guidance and orders, coordinated testing and vaccination strategy, and worked with community partners. She also led the county’s response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and contained outbreaks of pertussis, meningitis, and measles.
Over her tenure, Borenstein worked to build out county infrastructure focused on disease prevention, emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, traffic safety, aging, health equity, and community health improvement planning, while developing partnerships with local health care systems and community organizations.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve the community members of San Luis Obispo County alongside our incredible Public Health team,” said Borenstein. “Public health is ultimately about people—protecting our County’s most vulnerable and helping our entire community thrive. Much of what we accomplished is due to our outstanding Public Health staff, whose dedication and professionalism make me confident the County is well-positioned for the future.”
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor and board chair Jimmy Paulding commented on Borenstein’s service. “Dr. Borenstein has been a steady, thoughtful, and science-driven leader for our community,” said Paulding. “Her commitment to public service and her unwavering focus on the health and well-being of our community members have made a lasting difference in San Luis Obispo County. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the entire community, we thank Dr. Borenstein for her extraordinary service and wish her the very best in retirement.”
The county has begun recruiting for the next health officer and public health director. Additional information about the selection process will be shared as it becomes available.
