Jeff Plunkett, who first joined the Division of Health in 1978, will now take on a bigger role
HAMILTON -- Jeff Plunkett, who has steered Hamilton through a series of health crises as the township's health officer from anthrax in 2001 to the Hepatitis A outbreak, will now take on a bigger role, Mayor Kelly Yaede announced Monday.
Plunkett is poised to become director of the Department of Health, Recreation, Seniors and Veterans Services, replacing outgoing director Marty Flynn, who was chosen to head the Department of Technology and Economic Development.
"When Hamilton has faced its most challenging public health crises, Jeff Plunkett has helped ensure the safety of our families, neighbors and loved ones," Yaede said. "His education, experience and record in handling the serious health challenges we have faced make Jeff Plunkett the right person to fill this vacancy and serve as director."
Plunkett, who holds a master's degree in community health, first joined the township's Division of Health in 1978 and rose through the ranks of health inspector positions until he was named the health officer in 1995. He also serves as East Windsor's health officer through a shared services agreement.
Plunkett was appointed to serve on the federal Bioterrorism Cleanup and Response Committee for his response efforts following the anthrax attack that closed the Postal Service's Hamilton mail processing center in 2001.
More recently, he helped the township through the Enterovirus D-68 case, Ebola preparedness and the Hepatitis A outbreak.
Plunkett, who will continue to serve as health officer, said he is honored to have been chosen for the new role.
"Through Mayor Yaede's leadership, Hamilton has realized a sense of pride in our community, public confidence that the township is headed in the right direction and a sense of trust that our local government is prepared to respond to issues and challenges that we may face," he said. "I consider it a privilege to be asked to join Mayor Yaede's cabinet team and I'm eager to continue my public service to help protect the health and safety of our community in this new role."
Plunkett's nomination will be formally sent to council following the expected approval of Flynn, Yaede said.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
