Imperial County, California. – Paula Kriner, MPH, Epidemiology Manager retired from the Imperial County Public Health Department after 21 years of service. During her time with our Department, Mrs. Kriner demonstrated dedication to the field of epidemiology and exemplary leadership, building the Epidemiology Program from the ground up. Paula was responsible for overseeing disease-reporting activities to identify disease trends, the investigation of outbreaks and monitoring the community’s health status. In 2009, she led local efforts to conduct the initial investigation of H1N1 cases. This experience proved valuable when she led the Department’s epidemiology efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic during which she was a key lead overseeing an epidemiology team of over forty individuals. She managed case investigation and contact tracing, outbreak management for schools, workplaces, and congregate setting, as well as complex data management systems. Paula expanded the Department’s epidemiology efforts to include public health partnerships south of the United Stated-Mexico border which provided a regional perspective on the activity of severe acute respiratory infections and improved the ability to detect outbreaks. Paula has a background in journalism and volunteered with various health-related organizations including the American Red Cross. She received her master’s degree in Public Health from San Diego State University. Her contributions to public health have been consequential and will be felt for generations to come. Thank you for your service, and we wish you the very best as you embark on the next stage of your life. Congratulations Paula on your well-deserved retirement!