Desmar Walkes to take over from Escott after shakeup among Austin-area public health leaders
The city announced Friday that Dr. Desmar Walkes would take over May 31 as the Austin's area's top doc in matters involving public health policy.
Walkes will replace Dr. Mark Escott, who served as Austin-Travis County health authority throughout the coronavirus pandemic in an interim role.
As the health authority, Walkes will serve as medical director for Austin Public Health and will be responsible for the clinical oversight of the department's medically related services and more than 300 professionals.
“I’m honored to be joining the Austin Public Health team and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead as the next medical director and health authority for the city of Austin and Travis County,” Walkes said in a statement provided by the city.