Pat Lopez to step down as Lincoln health director

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The public health official who led Lincoln through the COVID-19 pandemic announced her retirement on Wednesday.

Pat Lopez will step down as director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Oct. 31.

Lopez became the interim health director in May 2019, and the job became permanent in August 2020.

She had spent 29 years in the health department before rising to the top.

“The greatest honor of my career has been serving our wonderful community,” Lopez said in a press release. “I want to thank the community, all our partners, local leaders and elected officials for their involvement and support of public health, during even the most challenging times.”

Assistant Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Kerry Kernan

Courtesy: City of Lincoln

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird has nominated Assistant Health Director Kerry Kernan to replace Lopez.

Kernen has been with the department since 2021, and her resume also includes jobs at the Douglas County Health Department and a health department in Ohio.

“Kerry Kernen’s expertise and experienced leadership in public health make her the right choice to lead our Health Department into the future, ensuring that the health and safety of our residents remain the top priority,” Gaylor Baird said in the release.

Kernen said public health has been her passion for more than 25 years.

“It’s been a privilege to work under Director Lopez’s leadership and with the amazing team at the Health Department,” she said in the release. “Their wisdom, experience and dedication are an inspiration to me.”

Her nomination must be approved by the Lancaster County Board, the Lincoln City Council and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Board of Health.