Central ND News

Sherry Adams, currently the administrator and CEO of the Southwestern District Health Unit, has been appointed as North Dakota’s next State Health Officer by Governor Kelly Armstrong. The appointment will take effect on September 15.

Governor Armstrong highlighted Adams’ qualifications in public health and emergency response. “Sherry brings a wealth of experience to the role of State Health Officer, and our citizens will be well-served by her deep knowledge and understanding of public health and emergency response,” Armstrong said. “We’re thrilled to bring her expertise, passion and trusted voice to this key role as we continue working to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.”

Adams is a registered sanitarian and environmental health specialist who began her career in public health in 2004. She has led the Dickinson-based Southwestern District Health Unit since 2009, overseeing operations across eight counties with a staff of 35. Her experience includes over two decades in emergency preparedness and response, along with certification from both state authorities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an incident command instructor.

In her new position, Adams will join the governor’s Cabinet as an advisor on public health matters. The statutory responsibilities for this role include providing strategy and policy guidance aimed at improving wellness statewide, advising local officials, promoting development of local services, and working to prevent communicable diseases. Adams will continue her leadership at Southwestern District Health Unit while serving part-time as state health officer.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as North Dakota's State Health Officer,” Adams said. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am committed to working collaboratively with our communities, health care partners, and state leadership to protect and promote the health and well-being of all North Dakotans. Together, we will build on the state’s strong foundation to address current challenges and advance a healthier future for all the citizens of North Dakota.”

Adams joined North Dakota’s Emergency Management Support Team as a safety officer in 2009 before becoming an incident commander three years later. She has managed responses to several significant events within North Dakota such as tornadoes in Dickinson, H1N1 flu outbreaks in 2009, major floods in both 2009 and 2011, as well as playing key roles during COVID-19 pandemic operations including planning chief duties at the state level.

Her professional service also includes five years on the executive committee for the State Association for Local and County Health Units where she held positions including vice chair, chairperson, and past president. Additionally, Adams has contributed expertise beyond North Dakota by assisting with disaster responses in Hawaii involving volcanoes or hurricanes, along with teaching incident command protocols internationally in Ghana, Togo, and Benin.