WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County’s former Health Director has landed a new role with the state.

Erika Lautenbach now serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. She oversees the Administrative Team for the department, which includes the CFO, CIO and the head of HR.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that Lautenbach was placed on leave, and later terminated, from her role with Whatcom County in March.

She disputed the decision by County Executive Satpal Sidhu, claiming that she had been working on a separation agreement before she was notified of her firing.

A spokesperson for Sidhu’s office said at the time that the County Executive wanted new leadership that better reflected his office’s updated priorities.

On March 25, the County Council approved the appointment of Dr. Charlene Ramont as interim Medical Director.

The search for a permanent replacement is underway.