Dr. Cheryl Archbald has been appointed to serve as the acting commissioner for the Westchester County Department of Health.
Archbald, a board-certified pediatrician with a Master's in Public Health and additional training and expertise in preventive medicine, has served as the deputy commissioner for community health since September 2004.
"We are confident the county's health will be in good hands," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Cheryl is passionate about public health, she knows our community and she has been very dedicated during her time here to developing partnerships that reflect Westchester's diversity. At the same time, we were sorry to lose Patsy Yang, and are extremely grateful for her nearly two decades of dedicated service to county residents. We wish her all the best in her new role.''
Archbald succeeds Patsy Yang, Dr. Public Health, who resigned as first deputy commissioner of health on March 11 to become the deputy commissioner of health for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
"I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Board of Health, this administration and our community partners to promote healthy lifestyles, address health disparities and improve the health of all Westchester residents,'' Archbald said.
Archbald, a New Rochelle resident since 2001, earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Harvard University. She received a medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and her pediatrics training at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She was awarded The Nancy Elizabeth Barhart Award by her hospital colleagues for her dedicated efforts to improve the health of children.
After completing her pediatrics residency, she completed an additional residency in preventive medicine through the combined program of the New York City Department of Health and the Columbia University School of Public Health, through which she received her Master's in Public Health and board eligible training in preventive medicine. She also is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Archbald joined the faculty of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1999, through a partnership with The Children's Aid Society. During her employment with The Children's Aid Society, she was the primary pediatrician for foster care children in their care. In 2001, she received The Children's Aid Society Employee Excellence Award. She later received the 2004 Distinguished Women Award from the Soundview HealthCare Network, in recognition of her humanitarianism and contribution to the community.
Archbald is a co-founder of the Westchester County Faith-Based Health Initiative, a member of the American Diabetes Association Westchester County Community Leadership Board, the American Heart Association Founder's Affiliate Westchester Region Board of Directors and a board member of the Bronx-Westchester Area Health Education Center. She has mentored students interested in careers in the health professions and has been an alumni mentor for Harvard College graduates interested in pursuing public interest careers.