January 22, 2025
El Paso County, CO—El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) announced today that Executive Director Susan Wheelan will retire on March 3, 2025, concluding a remarkable 25-year career with the agency.
Wheelan joined EPCPH in 1999 as an environmental health specialist. Over the years, she held various pivotal roles including public information officer, communication director, administrative hearing officer, program manager of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership, health promotion and disease prevention division director, and deputy director. She was appointed as interim director in September 2018 and as the agency’s executive director in February 2019 by the El Paso County Board of Health.
“Director Wheelan’s retirement leaves me with mixed emotions. First, I am so happy for Susan. Having reached 25 years of service, working through the challenges of the pandemic, she has grown both the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Susan has done an incredible job for the citizens of our County. However, I am also sad to part ways with a friend and colleague. Susan has set a high bar, and her replacement will have large shoes to fill,” said Ted Collas, El Paso County Board of Health President.
Under Wheelan’s leadership, the agency has achieved numerous milestones:
- Leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guided El Paso County through the most significant public health crisis of our time, earning multiple awards and recognitions for her unwavering commitment to the community’s health and well-being.
- Budget and workforce expansion: Increased the agency’s budget through various funding streams, primarily grants, resulting in nearly 50 additional full-time employees and enhanced infrastructure to meet the needs of Colorado’s most populous county.
- Service expansion: Oversaw the purchase of a new facility in southern El Paso County and the introduction of mobile services, including Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and immunization programs, to improve accessibility.
- Innovative data initiatives: Built and established the Public Health Data & Analytics program, which has yielded accomplishments such as the launch of several data dashboards on emerging health topics to enhance transparency and community engagement.
- Collaborations to support youth mental health and wellness: Secured funding to build the foundation for Public Health’s youth suicide and youth substance use prevention efforts focused on evidence-based strategies involving strong cross-sector community partnerships.
- Behavioral health advancements: Initiated Pikes Peak Rising 360 (PPR360), an innovative, comprehensive, free and confidential digital behavioral health platform which offers scientifically validated self-help tools and resources on a wide variety of topics. PPR360—which is designed to increase access to mental health and wellness resources for El Paso County residents—was launched in collaboration with the City of Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Colorado Springs First Lady Abbey Mobolade, and numerous partners including the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience.
- Community health planning: Completed statutory public health plans, including the Community Health Assessment, Strategic Plan, and Emergency Operation Plans, with the latest Community Health Improvement Plan set for public release in early 2025.
Wheelan’s tenure has also been marked by a strong emphasis on accountability and collaboration. The agency has consistently received clean audits, with auditors commending the precision and diligence of financial management.
“I am immensely proud of our Public Health team’s dedication, skill, and resilience in addressing challenges and meeting the needs of our community. I will always treasure the collaborative and meaningful work we’ve accomplished together with our partners to improve the health and well-being of the residents of El Paso County,” said Wheelan.
Her leadership during emergencies such as the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest wildfires, H1N1 and hepatitis A outbreaks, and the COVID-19 pandemic has showcased her ability to navigate crises with innovation and foresight. The Regional Recovery Council (RRC), which she co-founded, exemplifies her ability to foster cross-sector partnerships to support community health and economic recovery. The RRC earned national recognition with an Honorable Mention from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
During her tenure, Wheelan received numerous accolades, including the Colorado Springs Business Journal Woman of Influence; Spirit of the Springs Award from former Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers; Colorado Springs CEO Series Honoree; Latina of the Year award from the Latina Equity Foundation; Pikes Peak United Way Community’s Most Valuable Player Award; Pikes Peak Women’s Heroines of the Pandemic; and the Spirit of Fountain Award.
As Wheelan prepares to step down, the El Paso County Board of Health will ensure a seamless leadership transition. Plans for recruitment and continuity of operations will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I am confident in the strong foundation we have built together. The commitment and expertise of our team will assure that the agency is well-positioned for continued success,” said Wheelan.
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