CHESTERTOWN — Carla Thorpe has been named the permanent health officer for Kent County, the first female in that role.
She had been the acting health officer since Oct. 1, upon the retirement of William Webb.
Thorpe’s new position is effective March 4, according to a news release from the Kent County Health Department that was sent out Monday, March 9.
“I am truly honored and incredibly excited to be chosen as the next health officer for Kent County,” Thorpe said in a statement.
A lifelong resident of the Kent County area, Thorpe has a dual bachelor’s degree in social work and health care administration, a master’s degree in health care administration and is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner.
She has more than 30 years of health care experience, most recently as the director of the Kent County Health Department’s A.F. Whitsitt Center for the past four years and in 2025 as director of the KCHD’s developmental disabilities program as well.
Prior to joining the Kent County Health Department, Thorpe was the program director and part of the executive leadership team at Crossroads Community Inc., a nonprofit providing community-based mental health services throughout the Mid-Shore region.
Under Thorpe’s leadership, the Whitsitt Center and Developmental Disabilities Coordination of Community Services programs have achieved their accreditations, expanded services and census.
She was a key player in getting the facility housing the Whitsitt Center and other important health department programs removed from the state’s divestiture list. In addition to saving vital health services, the move secured a significant $4 million in budgeted funds designated for the building’s aging HVAC infrastructure — a project Thorpe is helping to manage.
As health officer, Thorpe said she wants to focus on customer service and quality services that address community needs.
She said she is looking forward to working with the Maryland Department of Health, Kent County Government and all of the dedicated local community partners.
Her goal is to guide the health department’s “overall strategy to navigate the path ahead while ensuring we are meeting the needs of Kent County residents with compassion and excellence.”
“The Maryland Department of Health is thrilled to welcome Carla Thorpe as health officer. With more than 30 years of dedicated health care and public health leadership, she brings a deep commitment to community well-being that will strengthen Maryland’s efforts to protect and promote the health of every resident,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Health Dr. Meg Sullivan, who worked closely alongside Thorpe while she was Kent’s acting health officer.
Kent County Administrator Shelley Heller also offered congratulations, citing Thorpe’s dedication to community-centered service, expertise in public health and demonstrated leadership.
Heller said Thorpe was “an exceptional choice” as the county’s health officer.
“We are excited for the fresh ideas and energy that she brings to this position and look forward to the positive impact she will make,” Heller said.
