By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Wood County Board of Health voted during a special meeting Thursday evening to appoint Rachel Aeschliman, deputy health commissioner, as interim health commissioner.
The vote came after the board accepted the resignation of Ben Robison, who has served as county health commissioner for almost six years and has taken a position at the Ohio Department of Health.
At next week’s regular monthly meeting on June 11, the board expects to address the nationwide search it plans for the health commissioner search.
Prior to going into executive session to discuss the interim position, Board President D.J. Mears thanked Robison for his service.
“You came at a very good time for us with Covid,” Mears said, noting that Robison came on board in September of 2020. “I don’t know how we would have made it through without you.”
Robison came to Wood County after serving in the emergency response division of the Ohio Department of Health – which proved very valuable during the pandemic, Mears said.
After Thursday’s meeting, Mears talked about the selection of Aeschliman as interim commissioner. “We’re lucky,” to have someone of her qualifications, he said.
At the same time, Mears said the board feels the need to conduct a nationwide search for Robison’s replacement. The board also expects to review the new position description for the commissioner job, potentially before the June 11 meeting.
“We owe it to the citizens of the county, and the clients at the clinic,” Mears said after the meeting.
Aeschliman is a Northwest Ohio native, having grown up in Pettisville, and getting her masters degree in public health administration in 2018 from the University of Toledo. She has worked in public health and community health nursing since 2007.
“I’m happy to serve Northwest Ohio, specifically Wood County,” she said after the meeting Thursday evening.
Aeschliman, who will be paid a temporary rate of $77.40 an hour in her new role, has been at the Wood County Health Department since September of 2024. She first served as director of nursing, then deputy health commissioner.
When asked if she is interested in the commissioner position beyond the interim role, Aeschliman said, “the board will determine what they are looking for.”
Aeschliman said she is pleased with the accomplishments of the health department – expanding the health center coverage, offering mobile health center services, and improving prevention care throughout the county.
“I’m proud of the work the whole agency does,” she said.
Aeschliman also praised the leadership of Robison, and his ability to look broadly at improving the health of Wood Countians.
“I’m really grateful for the leadership and vision that Ben has had for Wood County,” she said. “I’m happy to continue that.”
