Deschutes County hires Holly Harris as new Health Services director

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County has hired Holly Harris to serve as its new Health Services Director. Harris has served as interim Health Services Director since July, when former Director Janice Garceau retired. 

“Holly's record of impactful accomplishments, strong relationships across the region and state, commitment to our team and community, and collaborative approach to tackling challenges sets her apart as a leader,” said Nick Lelack, Deschutes County Administrator. “We’re so pleased to have her in the role of Health Services Director, and we’re excited to see how she will drive the department’s success even further.”

Before serving as interim Director, Harris served as the County’s Behavioral Health Director. She joined Deschutes County in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Specialist on the MCAT team and played pivotal roles in establishing the County’s Stabilization Center and securing funding for a child psychiatric unit in the region.

Harris earned a Master of Education-Counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Prior to working for Deschutes County, she served as a director of the Wharton County Juvenile Probation Department in Texas.

As Deschutes County Health Services Director, Harris will lead the day-to-day operations of the county’s largest department, employing more than 400 staff members who provide public and behavioral health services in our community.