MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson announced Monday that she’ll leave her role in early March. Her resignation comes alongside news that the Director of the Department of Administration, Sharon Robinson, will retire in the coming weeks.

Kirsten Johnson was appointed to the role health commissioner two years ago in January 2021. Since then, she’s led the Milwaukee Health Department through significant change and challenges.

“Commissioner Johnson has served my administration with distinction. She started in the top role at the Milwaukee Health Department in a pandemic-challenged time. She has restructured and energized the department, handled contentious issues, and managed day-to-day operations,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a statement Monday. “She will depart city government with my gratitude and best wishes on her next professional engagement.”

During her time in the role, Kirsten Johnson helped Milwaukee through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing services and guidance. She also addressed issues with the city’s lead hazard reduction program.

As a result of her work, officials said she has put the department on “a course for long-term stability and success.”

“I am consistently proud of the work done by the incredible team at the Milwaukee Health Department,” said Kirsten Johnson.

She added that her resignation was not an easy decision.

“Resigning from my position with the City of Milwaukee is not a decision made lightly, and I am confident in the team’s ability to carry on the work of the department following my departure. It has been the greatest honor of my career, as a public health professional and Milwaukee resident, to serve this city,” said Kirsten Johnson.

Prior to joining the Milwaukee Health Department, Kirsten Johnson had over 20 years of experience working in several local, state, national, and international organizations. That included serving as the Director and Health Officer of the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department and as a Health Policy Fellow and Advisor for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kirsten Johnson has also received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including the Lloyd D. Gladfelter Award for Government Innovation. 

She was the fourth person to take on leading health initiatives in Milwaukee.

Officials said they are already working on filling the position.