Burke's health director to leave for post in Spokane, Wash.

After almost five years as Burke County’s Health Department Director, Danny Scalise has accepted an opportunity to be the next administrator of Spokane Regional Health District in Washington state.

Scalise said it is a fantastic career opportunity and that he likes the West Coast.

“I’ve worked with him since 2023, (and) we’ve obviously just gone through Hurricane Helene and all of those challenges, and I’ve seen just a well-seasoned and professional health director,” said County Manager Brian Epley. “Burke County Public Health is in a better place than where he found it, and he’s had a lot of accomplishments, and we certainly wish him the very, very best in the next chapter of his career.”

At the county’s pre-agenda meeting on Monday, Scalise gave a brief presentation that praised his employees at the health department and highlighted accomplishments in the last five years.

“I hope you know that, comparatively, we’re — and I would argue this to anybody — one of the best (health departments) in the state,” Scalise said.

Scalise said only two local health departments in the state were accredited by the national Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Now, the Burke County Health Department is the third.

This accreditation shows Burke’s health department can carry out essential public health services and the capabilities within the Foundational Public Health Services framework. According to the website, the accreditation promotes public trust and demonstrates ongoing commitment to quality and performance improvement.

The health department has received a number of accolades under Scalise’s leadership and is staffed by people whose job performances and career accomplishments the outgoing director praised.

“I think … I left this little place better than I found it, and I believe whoever comes after me will have all the tools necessary to be able to do that,” Scalise said to commissioners. “I wish you well in your search for that person.”