ATASCADERO — After 18 years of public health leadership, Dr. Penny Borenstein will retire as San Luis Obispo County Health Officer and Public Health Administrator effective July 3.

Dr. Borenstein has guided the County through critical public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, and various local disease incidents. Her tenure strengthened programs in disease prevention, emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, traffic safety, and health equity.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve the community members of San Luis Obispo County alongside our incredible Public Health team,” said Dr. Borenstein. “Public health is ultimately about people—protecting our County’s most vulnerable and helping our entire community thrive. Much of what we accomplished is due to our outstanding Public Health staff, whose dedication and professionalism make me confident the County is well-positioned for the future.”

SLO County Supervisor and Chair of the Board, Jimmy Paulding, praised Dr. Borenstein’s service and meaningful impact on the community.

“Dr. Borenstein has been a steady, thoughtful, and science-driven leader for our community,” said Supervisor Paulding. “Her commitment to public service and her unwavering focus on the health and well-being of our community members have made a lasting difference in San Luis Obispo County. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the entire community, we thank Dr. Borenstein for her extraordinary service and wish her the very best in retirement.”

Recruitment for the next Health Officer and Public Health Director is underway.