Over the past four years, Arizona’s Department of Health Services (ADHS) has not had a permanent, Senate-confirmed director. Since 2021, the agency was led by a series of interim leaders, making it hard to keep long-term (and even short term) priorities steady.
That may be about to change. Last week Governor Hobbs named Debbie Johnston as the next director of ADHS, effective Monday. Johnston retired in June 2025 after more than 20 years at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, where she worked on health policy and regulatory affairs.
I’ve known Debbie for about 20 years, and she’s always struck me as thoughtful and thorough. She listens carefully, studies issues in depth, and can make decisive calls. Her experience is especially strong where ADHS has struggled in the past: licensing and regulating health facilities like nursing homes, assisted-living centers, behavioral health clinics, and other treatment providers.
Under the previous administration, this part of ADHS didn’t perform well — so her background here feels like a real asset.
Even as ADHS made some progress on regulating those facilities, there’s more work to be done. I’m optimistic that Debbie’s leadership can help the agency finish the job.
On the public health side, the agency already has steady leadership: Celia Nabor oversees prevention, Nicole Witt handles preparedness, and Sheila Sjolander, who has been serving as interim director, will return to her role as deputy for public health when Debbie begins.
One thing I hope Debbie will change is how ADHS talks to the public and to journalists. For the last several years, the agency hasn’t been open or clear about public health issues. It would be great to see more transparency — telling the story of public health in Arizona in a way people can understand and trust. I really hope she’s someone who could direct that shift.
Debbie’s nomination will go to the state Senate for confirmation, and I hope she has a good shot. Her steady, honest approach gives me confidence. But, of course, confirmation is never guaranteed, especially when Hoffman is involved.
Overall, this feels like a promising moment for ADHS. With a confirmed director for the first time in years, the agency may finally get the stability it needs to improve how it regulates facilities and how it communicates with the people of Arizona.
