Sullivan County Regional Health Department Director Gary Mayes to retire

BLOUNTVILLE — After nearly 25 years leading public health efforts in the region, Sullivan County Regional Health Director Gary Mayes will retire on Friday.Mayes said he joined the Sullivan County Health Department in December 2000 after working with Wellmont Health System and as a paramedic with Sullivan County Emergency Management Services."I've always had an interest in health care. I've worked in health care all my life," he said. "Public health is an opportunity to serve, and I think it serves a broader spectrum of population than acute care."Over the course of his career, Mayes has overseen both the health department and Sullivan County EMS. He called the EMS system one of the top in the state."It's been an unbelievable progression of improvement in patient care," he said. "Their patient outcomes exceed national standards, and we invest heavily in training and equipment."Mayes said he credits the department's success to its employees and the relationships built across the county."Our employees at the health department are exceptional and provide high-quality work and service," he said."It's important that employees feel like they've added value at the end of each day. And I think public health gives you that opportunity — that makes you feel good at the end of the day that you've helped somebody in need."Reflecting on the department's progress, Mayes pointed to the adoption of the Baldrige criteria which is a national framework that emphasizes community input and collaboration, which he said helped in improving operations."We take input from the citizens we serve and also our partnerships throughout the county and the cities. It helps us to be better attuned to the county's needs," Mayes said.As regional director, Mayes has also managed the department's budget and reported to both the Sullivan County Commission and mayor."My responsibility as regional director is to make sure the health department and EMS are functioning and providing service to meet the needs of Sullivan County — and to do that within a budget framework approved by the county commission," he said.In addition to his health leadership, he has served as a Sullivan County Commissioner and is a current Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen member."That only gives me more insight into what the community needs are from a public health perspective," he said. "It also gives you insight into how to manage budgets."Looking ahead, Mayes said building strong relationships will be key for whoever succeeds him."Certainly we all know what's going on at the federal level — that's a real challenge for us," he said. "Post-pandemic, public health has changed so much. But we've also realized the strengths of Sullivan County and how our local business and our governments work together."Mayes said he's especially proud of the team he leaves behind."I'm just really proud of my health department team and the way they pull together and work together as a team and really have a family bond," he said. "Everybody's focused on serving Sullivan County. That's what I'm really most proud of."County Mayor Richard Venable is working with Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Ralph Alvarado to name a successor.Meanwhile, as Mayes prepares to step away he said it's been a privilege to serve."I've been very blessed to receive a lot of good mentoring and support from my colleagues over the years," he said.