Merissa Mendoza has been named Interim Director of Public Health, beginning Monday, February 13, 2023. Merissa replaces Tascha Spears, who is retiring from Pinal County today.
Merissa has been with the county for almost 12 years, and most recently served as Division Manager for Nutrition and Vital Records, overseeing a team of 35. Her fiscal responsibilities included oversight of the WIC budget exceeding $1.6 million.
Under Merissa’s direction, the Pinal County Women Infants and Children (WIC) program received awards and was selected on numerous occasions to pilot new programs for Arizona WIC. She also facilitated the expansion of services and streamlined service delivery with the vital records team. As a member of the Public Health leadership team, Merissa assumed responsibility for the entire overhaul of Public Health's HIPAA policies, practices, and training. She also served as the principal coordinator of the Public Health leadership policy team.
Merissa earned her Bachelor's degree in Dietetics from Arizona State University and a Master's in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. Best of luck to Merissa in her new role, and best wishes to Tascha as she embarks on the next stage of her life!