BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County is moving forward with a temporary health director as it begins the process of finding a permanent replacement.

Whatcom County Council unanimously approved Charlene Ramont as the county’s interim administrative director of health and community services Tuesday, March 25. Ramont has served as assistant director of the department since September 2024.

When asked if she was interested in applying for the permanent position, Ramont said she was undecided.

Her appointment comes roughly a week after former director Erika Lautenbach was fired, which she says came as a surprise.

Lautenbach told My Bellingham Now she plans to fight what she calls her wrongful termination.

Meanwhile, the county says it’s working to hire a recruitment consultant and get input from stakeholders before it begins the search for a permanent director.