Dr. Patricia McKernan (Photo courtesy Montgomery County PA)
HHS department's 'mission, vision and core values deeply resonate with me,' McKernan says
Dr. Patricia McKernan, the former chief operating officer and chief of staff of the Norristown-based Gaudenzia, Inc. will take on a new role as director of Montgomery County’s Health and Human Services Department.
McKernan began her work on Monday, Dec. 8, according to a county statement.
Montgomery County officials touted McKernan’s record spanning nearly two decades spent gaining “leadership experience in operational management and program development” throughout her tenure.
“I am thrilled to lead the Department of Health and Human Services,” McKernan said in a statement. “The mission, vision and core values deeply resonate with me, and I am honored to advance the county’s commitment to achieve and sustain measurable improvements in the health and well-being of the Montgomery County community.”
The health and human services department is the county’s largest agency, according to a spokesperson, which encompasses 590 employees and a roughly $478 million annual budget.
“Dr. McKernan’s new role carries a real responsibility to the families and businesses who count on this department every day. The public deserves services that are efficient and focused on results,” Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello said in a statement.
McKernan has an educational background in social work, according to a county spokesperson, earning a bachelor’s degree from Trenton State College as well as master’s and doctorate’s from Rutgers University. As a licensed social worker, McKernan’s professional career was spent in social services. In addition to her time spent leading the substance use disorder treatment organization, McKernan was the chief operating officer for Volunteers of America, where she oversaw programs dealing with criminal justice, homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders.
“The need for health and human services touches every corner of our community regardless of demographics,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairwoman Jamila Winder said in a statement. “Dr. McKernan’s experience and vision will strengthen our work to ensure that Montgomery County continues to lead the way in addressing the complex challenges related to behavioral health, housing, and family support with compassionate public service.”
McKernan will fill a role left vacant by former Director and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Dr. Tamra Williams. Williams was initially hired in November 2022 and then took on the role of deputy chief operating officer in June 2024.
A Montgomery County spokesperson confirmed that “Williams departed from the county in late April,” although the circumstances of Williams’ departure were unclear.
Montgomery County’s Office of Children and Youth Administrator Nadine Miller led the department temporarily, according to Deputy Chief Operating Officer Tiffany Thomas. Thomas was appointed to her role in October.
“As we welcome Dr. McKernan in her new role, we also want to recognize the outstanding leadership of Nadine Miller as interim director during this transition period. Her commitment provided stability during a critical period for the department,” Thomas said in a statement.
