The sudden departure of Clark County Public Health’s director came amid concerns about the department’s leadership and workplace culture.
The county manager sent an email July 23 to Public Health staff announcing that Dr. Alan Melnick, who led Clark County Public Health through the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent state history, would retire Aug. 25.
Melnick did not return to work after the announcement, which followed an assessment of his department. Vanessa Gaston, director of the county’s community services department, reviewed Clark County Public Health’s leadership structure, organizational culture and budget by examining agency documents and conducting interviews with staff and outside organizations. The Columbian obtained her July 1 report and related emails under the state’s Public Records Act…