Xavier Crockett was recently hired as the new health director for the Central Shenandoah Health District, which includes the Rockbridge area.
Cr o cke t t has previously served in several leader ship positions focused on emergency preparedness and health promotion. He was most recently the health director for Mesa County, Colorado.
He holds a Master of Science degree in disaster medicine and emergency management, and he is currently a Doctor of Public Health candidate.
Crockett has built many successful partnerships throughout his career, including with hospitals, behavioral health providers, local governments, and community organizations. His structured leadership has led to improved emergency preparedness, and these efforts have helped to develop long-lasting, community- focused plans for a modernized public health system.
“I’m honored to be able to serve this community alongside our dedicated staff and community partners. It is important that CSHD remains responsive and accessible. We need to be able to meet the needs of our region now and in the future,” Crockett said. “Public health works best when it is visible, trusted, and integrated into the daily lives of the communities we serve.”
Crockett has been an active volunteer throughout his career, having served on local, state, and federal advisory boards. He has also spent more than a decade as part of the Medical Reserve Corps. The national volunteer network has enabled him to serve in a variety of leadership roles.
In his new position, Crockett plans to strengthen regional partnerships and looks forward to supporting the public health workforce. A main goal will be to ensure services are responsive and aligned with community needs. Crockett is also focused on strengthening access to services, maternal and child health programs, and community-based prevention efforts across the district’s ten localities.
For more information about the Central Shenandoah Health District, visit vdh. virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/.
