Without much discussion, the Montrose County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday voted to appoint Dr. Mirza Mashrur Ahmed as Montrose County public health director, formalizing a position that has been in question since January.

Ahmed was initially hired as the county’s public health director in January, but his appointment was reclassified to ‘interim’ following concerns raised by Commissioner Scott Mijares, who claimed the Montrose County Board of Commissioners wasn’t properly acting as the Board of Health (the three commissioners are the sole members of both boards).

Mijares later, in an interview with the MBT, questioned Ahmed’s medical credentials, claiming they did not align with U.S. medical doctor standards and alleging that the county’s hiring process was flawed. Mijares also suggested that Ahmed’s appointment had not been properly vetted and called for further review.

Despite those concerns, Wednesday’s appointment proceeded without public comment or discussion. The lack of debate was contrasted with the heated comments from the public at earlier meetings, during which Mijares emphasized the need for transparency in the hiring process.

Now, Mijares is taking a different stance. In a press release issued Wednesday by the county, he praised Ahmed’s qualifications, calling him “the most qualified candidate for the position.” The statement marks a sharp departure from his earlier comments questioning Ahmed’s credentials and the county’s hiring process.

“Following a comprehensive search process in compliance with Colorado state law, the Board of Health concluded that he was the most qualified candidate for the position,” Mijares said in the release. “We look forward to working collaboratively with him to develop and implement a robust public health strategy for the residents of Montrose County.”

Ahmed’s appointment solidifies his position as the county’s top public health official. During his tenure, Ahmed has spearheaded initiatives to bolster regional public health efforts, including a collaborative outreach campaign with neighboring counties to address a rise in measles cases statewide. He also organized a Public Health Outreach Open House that provided 18 measles vaccinations to Montrose County residents and others in the region.

Ahmed brings over 24 years of experience in global public health leadership, having worked in some of the most complex and high-need regions, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, and Somalia. He has held critical positions with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, including his most recent role as the Team Lead for the Health Emergency Program in Somalia.

As director of public health, Dr. Ahmed will oversee Montrose County’s public health programs, ensuring the continued advancement of the county’s healthcare services and initiatives. His vast experience in strategic planning, program development, and health equity will be invaluable in addressing both current and future public health needs in the county.

Ahmed holds a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Public Health Management and Development, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management of Information Systems. He is also a co-author of several influential publications on global health and disease prevention, further underscoring his expertise and dedication to advancing the public health sector.

Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.