AKRON, Ohio — Summit County Public Health has announced that Christopher Barker will replace Donna Skoda as health commissioner upon her retirement at the end of 2024.
The Summit County Board of Health voted to appoint Barker during a meeting on July 11.
“I am honored to be named the next Health Commissioner of Summit County Public Health and as I assume my new position at the end of the year, I look forward to working to maintain SCPH’s reputation as a progressive health department, an innovative and freethinking organization, and an agency Summit County residents, our community partners and SCPH employee’s respect," said Barker. "As we bid Donna a well-earned and happy retirement, rest assured SCPH will build upon our strong foundation, and uphold our commitments to delivering exceptional public health services to the residents of Summit County.”
Barker began his career at SCPH in 2009 as an emergency preparedness planner. Most recently, he was director of preparedness and compliance at SCPH. Barker graduated from Kent State University in 2016 with a master's in public health.