Dr. Kristina Box announces retirement from Indiana Department of Health
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Dr. Kristina Box is retiring from her role as state health commissioner of the Indiana Department of Health at the end of May.
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday that he has appointed chief medical officer, Dr. Lindsay Weaver, to replace Box at the start of June.
Box was appointed state health commissioner by Holcomb in October 2017. She led the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and supervised coordination efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, and health partners.
Box’s last day will be May 31 and Weaver will begin as state health commissioner on June 1.
“I’m beyond honored. Honestly, to try to even slightly fill these big shoes that Dr. Box has put before us,” Weaver said.
According to Holcomb, Box led the state Department of Health’s most ambitious legislative agenda. The Republican governor says under her leadership the department launched the governor’s Public Health Commission, which takes a critical look at the state’s public health system and makes recommendations for improvements.
She also led the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Weaver says she plans to build upon this work. “Over the last three years, we have formed an amazing team, so no big changes at the Department of Health. The team is ready. We’re excited to implement the governor’s Public Health Commission and really just continue the legacy of what Dr. Box has already started here.”
Box said, “Time will show that the state of Indiana really did this in a very, our response, in a very moderate way and that we balanced very well protecting lives and livelihoods and the economy of the state of Indiana.”
Box says while she won’t be completely disconnected she’s looking forward to spending more time with her family. “I’ve had to say ‘no’ to my family a lot and I have an amazing husband of 41 years this summer who is incredibly patient with me and kids that are amazing human beings.”
Weaver says she’s looking forward to taking on this position and that there’s still a lot of work to do.
Statements
“Dr. Box and I began discussing this inevitability nearly a year ago, and I’m so grateful she agreed to stay on to shepherd the state Department of Health’s most ambitious legislative agenda yet. I respect no one more and am so pleased she’ll get to enjoy her next chapter, which is focusing on her family. I could not have had a better partner in this role, especially in this time. She genuinely cares about the health and well-being of every single Hoosier, and because of her dedication to the betterment of our overall public health system, the state is at the forefront of transformational change that will result in a healthier Indiana.”
“I also appreciate how she’s been working on a succession plan with Dr. Weaver, another national all-star, to ensure the successful implementation of our new public health plan. Dr. Box’s dedication to seeing the public health commission plan from ideas to action is a remarkable feat in and of itself. Her competitive refusal to lose is a key reason why our state will win for years to come.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve this administration, the Indiana Department of Health and Hoosiers across the state. The past five and a half years have been filled with challenges and opportunities unlike any that public health has ever encountered, and the public health workforce across the state has met those challenges with a heart and determination that have inspired me every day. I am incredibly proud of the work being done and will forever be grateful to those who continue to make improving the health and wellbeing of Hoosiers a priority.”
Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana state health commissioner