Published on April 16, 2026
The Tompkins County Board of Health (BOH) has a vacancy representing the City of Ithaca and invites interested candidates to apply. The Board encourages applications from individuals with diverse perspectives who seek to engage in public health issues impacting our community.
The BOH is a volunteer board that serves as the governing body for the local health department. The eight board members each serve six-year terms. The current vacancy is for a full-term, ending December 2032.
Applicants must be 18 years of age, a resident of the City of Ithaca in Tompkins County, and a U.S. citizen. The Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 12:00 pm (noon) until approximately 2:00 pm, at Whole Health’s office at 55 Brown Road, northeast Ithaca.
Under New York State Public Health Law, the BOH enacts regulations related to the preservation of life and health and confirms the violation of orders and regulations. The Board also oversees the department budget and approves department policy and procedures.
To indicate interest in serving on the BOH, applicants must complete an Advisory Board Application form. The form may be obtained from the County Legislature office, located at the Governor Daniel D. Tompkins Building (Old Courthouse), entrance is on the Dewitt Park side of the building, 121 E. Court Street, Ithaca. The form is also available for download on the County website: Tompkins County Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Councils | Tompkins County. For questions regarding the application form, please contact the County Legislature office at 607-274-5434.
After the application is submitted, candidates will be interviewed prior to a recommendation, and they must be approved by both the BOH and the County Legislature. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information on the Board of Health, please contact Whole Health Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe at 607-274-6674 or via email at jsutcliffe@tompkins-co.org.
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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