Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta is stepping down this summer after more than seven years on the job. She was an instrumental member of the leadership team that steered the county through the COVID-19 pandemic.
County Executive Ryan McMahon calls Dr. Gupta a trusted advisor and a compassionate warrior.
"She has put her heart and soul into this position, and in serving this community in their public health."
McMahon says Gupta isn’t ready to speak to the media just yet after an emotional day of announcing her decision to her staff. He says they’ve worked countless hours together through the twists and turns of the pandemic.
"But more than that, her work with opioids, her work with lead, her work with issues of tobacco, developing and fostering relationships with community partners, in school districts, neighborhood to neighborhood, making sure public health had equity in our community. Those are all legacies she should be very proud of."
McMahon says top leadership roles present an amazing opportunity to meet goals and challenges every day, and getting the community through unprecedented times.
"That's really gratifying. I know I feel that way, and I know Dr. Gupta takes that very seriously as well about the awesome opportunity she's had to serve when the community she lives in and loves needed her most."
McMahon says Gupta leaves the department stronger than when she found it. She pushed hard and succeeded in earning certification from the National Public Health Accreditation Board, the gold standard for public health agencies.
McMahon says she’s leaving on her own terms, and that she’s earned the next chapter in her life and career. But he knows she still has an appetite to give back to the community. A national search for her successor is underway. Gupta’s last day is July 1st.
