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Adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation recognizing Dr. Bela T. Matyas, Chief Deputy Health - Health Officer, upon his retirement from Solano County with 15 years of service in the Department of Health and Social Services, and 37 years of dedicated public service (Chair Mashburn)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation recognizing Dr. Bela T. Matyas, Chief Deputy Health - Health Officer, upon his retirement from Solano County with 15 years of service in the Department of Health and Social Services, and 37 years of dedicated public service.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Dr. Bela T. Matyas began his career in mid-1988 as the Chief of Environmental Health Risk Assessment with the Rhode Island Department of Health. In 1991, he was promoted to Medical Director of Disease Control and State Epidemiologist. In 1995, Dr. Matyas joined the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as Medical Director of the Epidemiology Program. In 2008, he began working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as Chief of the Disease Investigations Section. He was later promoted to Chief of the Communicable Disease Emergency Response Branch.
In 2010, Dr. Matyas joined Solano County’s Health and Social Services Department as Health Officer and Deputy Director of the Public Health Division. In 2023, Dr. Matyas was promoted to Chief Deputy Health - Health Officer.
During Dr. Bela Matyas’s 15 years as Solano County’s Health Officer, the Health and Social Services Department advanced its mission to promote and protect the health of all residents. Under his leadership, the department strengthened its integrated approach, combining medical care, public health programs, and social services to better serve families and communities. Through initiatives that include Family Health Services clinics, disease prevention programs, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, CalFresh nutrition support, maternal and child health services, and behavioral health programs, the department has made significant strides toward achieving its vision of “Healthy People, Healthy Community.” His commitment to efficiency, accountability, and collaboration helped ensure the responsible use of public funds while improving the effectiveness of health programs across the county.
Dr. Matyas played a pivotal role in guiding Solano County through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical leadership, timely communication, and trusted guidance to both the public and his team. His composure and expertise during the health emergency strengthened public trust, ensuring that residents received accurate and transparent information. With limited resources during the pandemic, Dr. Matyas prioritized focusing on populations at-risk for death or severe disease, including people living in long-term care facilities and congregate living facilities. This effort saved lives in Solano County during the pandemic. Beyond crisis response, Dr. Matyas fostered strong partnerships with state and federal agencies, advanced local health ordinances, and led efforts to prepare for future public health challenges. His tenure reflects a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the diverse Solano County community.
Dr. Matyas retires on December 31, 2025, as Chief Deputy Health - Health Officer of the Department of Health and Social Services. We wish him a happy retirement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the purchase and preparation of the plaque are included in the Board’s FY2025/2026 Working Budget. There is no additional impact on the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt and present the resolution and plaque of appreciation. This is not recommended because Dr. Matyas’s service to Solano County is worthy of recognition and provides a positive example to others.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION