Boise-area health district director announces retirement ‘with mixed emotions’
Central District Health Director Russ Duke plans to retire.
Duke notified the health district’s board at a regular meeting Friday after members agreed to go into an executive session that lasted nearly an hour, meaning the announcement and subsequent discussion were closed to the public, spokesperson Trent Young told the Idaho Statesman by phone.
The session was listed on the agenda “to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need.”
Duke expects his last day to be July 2, Young said. The health district plans to announce the open position by April 6, he said.
In an email to staffers Friday that was obtained by the Statesman, Duke said he was writing “with mixed emotions” to share the news of his retirement. Duke has been director of the Boise-area health district for over two decades.
After the Statesman contacted CDH about his retirement, the health district sent a news release that said Duke plans to support the agency throughout the recruitment process and help transition to whoever is selected as the new director.
“Working alongside the staff at CDH has been the highlight of my career,” Duke said in the release. “I’m deeply grateful for the relationships, shared purpose, and accomplishments achieved during my tenure.”
The health district, based in Boise, serves Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties. It rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for its role in responding to the virus. CDH also has faced complaints from staff members about the working environment in the years since.
This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 3:41 PM.
