By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Mayor Jim Gray is applauding the Lexington Fayette County Health Board's decision to appoint Dr. Rice Leach as its commissioner of health. He replaces Dr. Melinda Rowe who resigned in the wake of a long-simmering scandal over poor working conditions and mismanagement allegations.
"Dr. Leach is a man of great experience. He's coming into this role bringing that experience, sharing that experience with the city in a department that he really cares for a lot. It was very gratifying to hear that when his appointment was announced that there was applause from the members who were there and employees of the primary care clinic."
Gray says the recent upheaval at the clinic provides a lesson for managers everywhere.
"We have opportunities every day to examine our workplace environment. It's so important that we, as in elected leadership roles, as members of boards and commissions in our city, that we are responsible to our citizens in ensuring that we are really providing the best leadership in the management roles."
Dr. Leach previously served as executive director of the Primary Care Center before retiring in April 2010.