HOUSTON – The Office of Harris County Administration announced the decision to fire Barbie Robinson from her role as executive director of Harris County Public Health.
Robinson was selected to lead the county’s health department in March of 2021. She came to the Houston area from Sonoma County, California, where she was director of the county’s Department of Health Services for four years.
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Before that, Robinson worked at the Centers for Medicare & Medical Services and the San Francisco Division of Financial Management & Fee-for-Service Operations.
Deputy County Administrator Leah Barton will now step in as interim executive director of Harris County Public Health. The HCPH has launched a national search to find a new executive director.
“Our focus remains on serving the people of Harris County in alignment with our Countywide goals and guiding principles. I appreciate the hard work of our Harris County Public Health team and their continued commitment during this transition,” said Diana Ramirez, Harris County administrator.
Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey of Precinct 3 weighed-in to KPRC 2 Investigates, calling the move a firing. Ramsey made it clear he has had concerns for quite some time.
“I’ve been for the last two-plus years expressing concerns of the hiring of a consultant from northern California, Dema. That is why I haven’t supported any motions to hire or pay Dema,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey believes the termination now requires further scrutiny from county commissioners.
“We are going to need to do a complete audit of the health department and contracts. Transparency is important and using judgement when it comes to hiring out of state contractors,” he said.