Michele Shelton spent 28 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of colonel. Now she’s preparing for a new mission: leading the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County.
- “Service is the rent that we pay for living,” Shelton told the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, quoting Shirley Chisholm. “Having the opportunity to serve as our public health administrator is an even greater opportunity for me to continue to serve the community that I live in.”
Commissioners unanimously approved her appointment during their Jan. 6 meeting.
Shelton, a registered nurse who holds a master of science degree and a bachelor of science in nursing, said she decided to settle in Okaloosa County after her military career and has since volunteered with nonprofit and community organizations.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo requested the appointment in a Dec. 23 letter to the commission, describing Shelton as having “an excellent and diverse background in all aspects of public health” and praising her abilities as “a skilled leader.”
Chairman Trey Goodwin noted Shelton’s “very impressive resume” before the vote. Commissioner Sherri Cox thanked her for “jumping back in the mix” to serve, particularly in what she called “a military dominant community.”
Commissioner Paul Mixon acknowledged Shelton’s church family and pastor, who attended the meeting to support her.
- “It shows really strength in the core values of who you are and the community that you have behind you,” Mixon said.
Shelton succeeds Elizabeth Smith, who served as interim health officer from December 2020 to January 2021 before becoming the official health officer in September 2021. Smith is retiring from the position.
