After serving as director of the Cole County Health Department for nearly three years, Dr. Marie Peoples has accepted a position out of state.
Peoples will join the Public Health Services District in Flagstaff, Ariz. as chief health officer of Coconino County.
"It is a huge opportunity for me, as Coconino is the second largest county (in area) in the nation," Peoples said.
She's a long-time Jefferson City resident and said she is sad to leave Cole County and the community.
"The Cole County Health Department is a top-notch agency and leader in Missouri public health," Peoples said. "I will miss the staff, clients and community tremendously."
Peoples has also served on the Jefferson City School Board since July 2010.
Before joining the Cole County Health Department in November 2010, Peoples worked for four years as the chief of primary care and rural health for Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services.
She has a master's and doctorate degrees in public health.
The Cole County Health Department is seeking applicants to fill Peoples' position.