Burke County promotes Dr. Ashley Jarrett to interim health director role

Burke County Public Health has named Dr. Ashley Jarrett as interim health director, elevating a five-year department leader to guide local public health efforts during a leadership transition.

Jarrett, who most recently served as assistant health director, has been with the department since 2021 and has played a central role in advancing programs and strengthening Burke County’s response to communicable diseases.

Before moving into administration, she worked as a communicable disease nurse, collaborating with community partners and residents to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks across Burke County.

In December 2025, Jarrett earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership, adding to her clinical and administrative background in public health.

County officials said her experience across multiple divisions within the department gives her a broad understanding of the services that support Burke County residents, from disease prevention to community health initiatives.

Under Jarrett’s interim leadership, Burke County Public Health will continue its core mission of promoting health, preventing disease and protecting the wellbeing of the community, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.