Health Officer Steps Down After Pandemic Leadership, Warns of Future Challenges

Leadership Through Crisis and Transition

Dr. Nathan "Gib" Morrow, the health leader who guided Kitsap County through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced his decision to step down as Health Officer of the Kitsap Public Health District. His tenure, which lasted five years, was marked by a series of complex public health issues that required both resilience and innovation.

Morrow, who served as the county’s top public health official, faced a wide range of challenges beyond the pandemic. These included increasing skepticism toward standard public health measures such as vaccines, a sharp rise in opioid overdoses, and a period of transition and significant staffing shortages at the county's only civilian hospital. Despite these difficulties, he described his time in the role as “fantastic,” even though it hasn’t been without its struggles.

During an interview from his downtown office, Morrow reflected on his experience, acknowledging that while it hasn’t always been easy, he feels he has fulfilled his mission. He is stepping down during what he calls a “transitional period” for the local health system. As he prepares to leave, he warns that his successor will face a new set of daunting challenges.

One of the most pressing concerns is the anticipated rollback of federal health programs, such as the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, which were introduced under the Trump administration. These changes are expected to have severe consequences once they take effect over the next two years. Additionally, ongoing political instability and the reduction of public resources could further complicate the situation.

Morrow expressed concern that these factors might make people less willing to engage with the health system, making it harder to monitor and control the spread of communicable diseases. “What you're seeing right now coming out of the federal government is very concerning for public health,” he said.

A Career Shaped by Service

Morrow’s career began as a medical doctor, working at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and the Whatcom County Jail. In 2019, he transitioned into public health after completing a master’s program at the University of Washington. Prior to his time in Kitsap, he served as a deputy health officer in Sonoma County, California, and Whatcom County.

He took over the top role at the Kitsap Public Health District in August 2020, just four months before the first county residents would receive doses of the vaccine. The rollout of the vaccine was largely managed by Morrow and the health district. “I was watching PBS Newshour and looking at zillions of vaccines rolling off the shelf and thinking how are we going to keep up,” he recalled. At one point, he administered around 30 vaccines in an hour.

Since January 2020, more than 16,000 Washingtonians have died from COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Recognition and Legacy

Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes, a member of the county health board, praised Morrow for his leadership during a chaotic and uncertain time. “I think the community doesn’t know what you did,” she said during a July board meeting. “But you saved lives and helped us adapt to two to three years of uncertainty.”

Rolfes also credited Morrow for his work with St. Michael Medical Center, which faced a turbulent period marked by severe staffing shortages in its emergency room. This led to massive backups for ambulances and created what local fire chiefs called a “crisis.” However, since the pandemic, the situation has improved, with lower wait times reported following the opening of two new emergency rooms and better staffing levels.

Looking Ahead

Morrow emphasized that much of his tenure involved understanding the complex health systems in Kitsap County and identifying ways to improve them. After the pandemic, he noted, there was significant damage, and economic disparities worsened. Many systems had to be restructured to support the most vulnerable members of the community.

The health district conducted a comprehensive study of the county’s healthcare system in 2024, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. While some challenges remain, particularly regarding the availability of primary and preventative care, others have softened. For example, the situation at St. Michael has improved significantly.

Morrow believes that maintaining collaboration among healthcare providers is crucial for the region’s future success, especially in the face of federal uncertainty. “Partnerships,” he said, “That’s how communities like ours can stay ahead.”

As he steps down, Morrow leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to public health that has shaped the response to one of the most challenging periods in recent history.