Whatcom County names Maryland official as new health department director
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu has chosen an epidemiologist and health officer from Maryland as the director of the Department of Health and Community Services, according to an emailed statement.
Champ Thomaskutty, deputy health officer for the Calvert County Health Department, was named Thursday to replace Erika Lautenbach, who was fired in March. Lautenbach has filed a claim against the county, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. County Council members are scheduled to discuss that claim in a special closed meeting next week.
“Thomaskutty has the right mix of leadership experience, management expertise, and a deep commitment to public health. I was impressed by his thoughtful, evidence-based approach to problem solving, and it is clear that Champ will be a great asset for our organization and the community we serve,” Sidhu said in the statement.
His appointment is subject to County Council confirmation, and council action is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 9, according to Thursday’s statement.
“I am excited to come to Whatcom County and continue my lifelong mission of improving health outcomes for all. I very much look forward to getting to know the department team, community partners and local health leaders. This team has done so much great work, and we have a wonderful opportunity to continue building on those successes,” Thomaskutty said in the statement.
He was chosen after a nationwide search that lasted several months, Sidhu said. Finalists met with local officials, including the Public Health Advisory Board, during the week of Aug. 11. His salary wasn’t disclosed, but Lautenbach was earning $195,000 annually.
Health and Community Services has more than 150 employees who address homelessness, food safety, environmental health, communicable diseases, behavioral health and emergency preparedness. It is heavily involved in planning programs under the new countywide tax for child care.
Calvert County is in southern Maryland, with a 2024 population of 95,000 people — a bit less than half the population of Whatcom County.
Thomaskutty has a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology and health policy from the Indiana University School of Medicine, according to his Linked In biography.
In Calvert County, Thomaskutty is responsible for a department with a staff of 275 people and an operating budget of more than $25 million. He also served as both chief operations officer and agency administrator, according to Thursday’s statement.
This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
