David Howard

New Hanover County has named David Howard as its public health director, according to a news release.

Howard, who was hired for the role after a national search, begins the county's public health leadership position on Tuesday, officials said. He began serving as the county's interim public health director in January.

“My being chosen to lead our public health team and serve alongside our very dedicated staff is both an honor and privilege," Howard said in the release. “I have been a local resident for many years, and watched New Hanover County grow by leaps and bounds, and am truly excited to see how we grow and improve together into the future. I look forward to working across our entire community and accomplishing great strides in health and well-being for everyone, in every walk of life.”

Howard was previously the county’s assistant public health director, a role he held since December 2017.

“During the county’s COVID-19 response, David has been integral in providing sound advice and guidance to county leaders and to the community,” said New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet in the release. “He is a trusted leader who creates a collaborative environment that drives innovation, excellent customer service, and transparent community engagement for Public Health. I believe New Hanover County will benefit from his expertise and his passion to improve the health of all our citizens."

Howard has previously served as Health and Human Services Agency director and health director for Bladen County and the health director for Hyde County.

He has also served in other public health preparedness, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and health education roles, stated the release.

Howard currently serves on the N.C. Public Health Association’s executive committee and is a Governing Council member, and serves on the N.C. Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Testing Network Stakeholder Advisory Board.

Howard earned a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.