Pima County’s Chief Medical Officer Francisco Garcia Steps Down

Dr. Francisco Garcia, a prominent figure in Pima County’s administration, is set to leave his role on January 3, as announced by county officials. Garcia serves as the chief medical officer and deputy county administrator, with responsibilities encompassing the Health Department and other vital public services.

Garcia first joined Pima County in 2013 as the Health Department director. He advanced to assistant county administrator in 2017 and then became deputy county administrator in 2019, working under both County Administrators Chuck Huckelberry and Jan Lesher. His leadership encompassed eight health and human services departments.

In a press release, Garcia expressed gratitude for his tenure, stating, “It has been a privilege of a lifetime to work for Pima County.” He acknowledged the challenge of leaving but indicated that the time had come for a transition in his career.

Although his future plans remain undisclosed, a county statement noted that Garcia will explore new opportunities beyond his current role.

Garcia played a crucial role as chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was proactive in implementing prevention and mitigation strategies as early as late 2019. Under his guidance, Pima County emerged as a leader in COVID testing and secured one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation among urban areas, vaccinating approximately 800,000 residents within months.

According to county officials, Pima County experienced lower rates of COVID infection and mortality compared to other densely populated areas in Arizona, including Maricopa County. “There is no question that Dr. Garcia saved a lot of lives in 2020,” said Jan Lesher, highlighting his tireless dedication during the health crisis.

Beyond his pandemic response, Garcia spearheaded initiatives to provide emergency rental assistance to local businesses and humanitarian aid to asylum seekers. He also oversaw significant developments at the Pima Animal Care Center and introduced the Pima Early Education Program to enhance childcare and educational resources for families in the region.

Jan Lesher plans to announce information regarding Garcia’s interim successors in the upcoming days. Garcia has not publicly commented since the announcement of his departure.