Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

​West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling today announced the appointment of Dr. Rahul Gupta as Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health and State Health Officer, effective January 1, 2015.

Gupta replaces Dr. Letitia E. Tierney, who is resigning effective December 31, 2014.

“Dr. Gupta is a well-respected and established public health professional,” Bowling said. “His vast experience and wealth of knowledge will greatly benefit DHHR, as will his relationships with officials in government and the medical community.”
                                                      
Since 2009, Gupta has served as the Executive Director and Health Office of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, the largest local health department in West Virginia.  He also serves as the Executive Director and Health Officer of the Putnam County Health Department.  Prior to that, he was Assistant Professor of Medicine of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, and a primary care physician at Florida Medical Clinic.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to this position by Secretary Bowling,” Gupta said.  “Working with professionals and partners across our great state, I look forward to the opportunity to help West Virginians build a healthier future by achieving positive and lasting health outcomes.”

Gupta holds an M.D. from University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi and a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.  He has been certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine since 1999.

Tierney has served in the position since November 2013. “It’s been a difficult decision to leave and I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve all West Virginians. I am confident that I am leaving the Bureau in excellent hands and look forward to the smooth transition of leadership.”

“I sincerely appreciate Dr. Tierney’s service to the public health efforts in West Virginia and wish her much success in future endeavors,” Bowling said.