Three top officials resigned Thursday night from the Panhandle Health District, which oversees five counties in North Idaho. The district's board accepted the resignations of director Erik Ketnar, human resource specialist Sandee Riggs, and financial officer Christine Crummer during a special meeting in Hayden.

The board unanimously approved the resignations, though Peggy Cuvala, representing Benewah County, abstained. The reason for the resignations remains unclear. Board member Thomas Fletcher, representing Bonner County, was appointed interim director and will also oversee finances until a replacement is found.

Fletcher stated that as interim director, his priorities include to "restore trust" in public health. He noted that the district has seen as many as eight employees from its 100-person workforce resign in recent days.

The resignations include long-serving staff members. Crummer had served as financial officer for 25 years, while Riggs had managed human resources since October 2022. Ketnar began his role as district director in May 2024.

Clinical focus shift

District medical director Greg Pennock said the agency has been pivoting its clinical focus from preventing infectious diseases to addressing chronic illness. Pennock described the shift as "medically-driven" and a mirror of national trends.

“We’re putting together clinics that are really focused on true prevention through lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise, instead of just being pill -pushers,”

Pennock said he does not plan to close any clinics and is working to hire more physicians and nurse practitioners. During the meeting, Valerie Wade, a registered environmental health specialist, expressed concern regarding the priority shift, suggesting infectious diseases should remain the primary focus for rural communities.

The district operates clinics in Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah, and Shoshone counties. Environmental health services, including restaurant inspections and septic permits, will continue to be led by division administrator Jason Peppin.