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“I am excited about this new opportunity in the private sector, but I will miss working for the City of Stamford," Anne Fountain said in a statement. "I am thankful for all of the support from the administration and my colleagues that I have worked with over the years. It has been an honor to serve the residents of Stamford.”
Fountain, who has been in her city position for six years, will leave next week.
“I commend Director Fountain for her skilled leadership and dedicated commitment to the City of Stamford,” Martin said. "Director Fountain was instrumental in making Stamford a healthier community through her efforts."
Beginning Monday, David Knauf, director of health for Darien, will act in a dual capacity also covering as acting director of health in Stamford until a permanent director is chosen.
Fountain began her career in public health in New York City. She joined the Stamford Health Department in 2004 as the Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator and rose to the director position in 2010.
Under Fountain's leadership, the department worked with local legislators to pass an ordinance requiring the city to provide residents with subsidized testing of well water for pesticides, uranium and arsenic and developed a well water testing program.
The Health and Social Services Department also collaborated with the Parks Commission to institute a no-smoking policy in city-owned parks; improved public health programs in Stamford schools; developed a food safety program for restaurants; developed improved public health emergency response and sheltering protocols; enrolled thousands of individuals in the state healthcare program; and responded to major emergencies, storms, outbreaks and other major events, including Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene.
"During her tenure as director, the department made great strides improving public health and social service programs provided for Stamford residents," said Thaddeus Jankowski, director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare. “Fountain leaves behind a legacy of comprehensive public health and social services, which has impacted not only Stamford but the entire State of Connecticut.”
Knauf will work closely with Jankowski, who will oversee daily operations, and Dr. Henry Yoon, medical director for Stamford. A search for a new director will begin immediately and should take 12 to 16 weeks.
"This is a perfect example of good collaboration with communities working together as needed," Martin said. "I would like to personally thank First Selectman Jayme Stevenson for this collaboration and Health Director, David Knauf, for his dedication to public health in assisting Stamford’s need on an interim basis.”
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