Oregon’s top public health official is stepping down from her role after two and a half years.  Dr. Sejal Hathi, who joined the Oregon Health Authority in January 2024, will leave Aug. 1 to focus on family and personal priorities, the governor’s office announced Thursday.  Hathi, who e arns $265,488 per year, joined the Oregon Health Authority after serving as New Jersey’s deputy commissioner for public health services. She previously served as the White House’s senior policy for public health under the Biden administration. As the state searches for a new director, Gov. Tina Kotek will appoint Fariborz Pakseresht to serve as interim director beginning July 6 to help the agency during the leadership transition. Pakseresht worked for the state of Oregon for 35 years, retiring in the fall after serving as the director of the Oregon Department of Human Services for eight years.  “Oregon remains steadfast in our commitment to expanding access to care, advancing health equity, and strengthening the systems that serve our communities,” Kotek said in a statement. “I am grateful to Dr. Hathi for her service, and I appreciate Fariborz Pakseresht for stepping in to support this critical work as we recruit for a permanent director.” The Oregon Health Authority is one of the largest state agencies, with a $41.5 billion budget during the 2025-27 budget cycle. The agency oversees programs addressing behavioral health, improving healthcare access and providing Medicaid coverage to more than one in three Oregonians. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: [email protected]. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter. STORY TIP OR IDEA? Send an email to Salem Reporter’s news team: [email protected]. The post Oregon’s top public health official resigns appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less