WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – One of Whatcom County’s foremost health leaders has been removed from her position.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services Director Erika Lautenbach was placed on leave as of March 5.

Jed Holmes, the county’s Public Affairs and Strategy Manager, said that no additional details would be available regarding her leave at this time. Holmes said that Assistant Director Charlene Ramont is now serving as the agency’s acting director.

Lautenbach served in her position since 2020, guiding Whatcom County through the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic.

Most recently, she spoke in favor of keeping current temperature guidelines intact for the county’s severe weather shelter.