Over the past several months, the Health District has been conducting a search for a new Executive Director/CEO. These three finalists will be introducing themselves to the community at a public meeting and reception to be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Health District, 120 Bristlecone Drive, Fort Collins. Please feel free to join us to get to know the finalists.

Brian Ferrans is a community-focused public health executive with more than 15 years of experience advancing community health through partnership, innovation, and inclusive leadership across Larimer County. Currently serving as Deputy Executive Director of Acute Care Services at Longview with SummitStone Health Partners, he oversees complex 24/7 crisis operations, a $30+ million budget, and a multidisciplinary workforce of more than 200 staff, while leading large-scale change initiatives, negotiating public-sector contracts, and expanding access to critical behavioral health services through a “No Wrong Door” philosophy. Previously, as Director of the Community Impact Team at the Health District of Northern Larimer County, he partnered closely with community stakeholders to lead initiatives to increase critical behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals, the Health District's COVID-19 response for people experiencing homelessness, and community-wide needs assessments related to chronic pain and crisis services. Brian previously served on the Larimer County Behavioral Health Policy Advisory Council (BHPAC), is a leadership Fellow of the Regional Institute for Health and Environment Leadership (RIHEL) and currently serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Outreach Fort Collins.

Vanessa Fewell is a seasoned public-sector leader and social worker with more than 20 years of experience strengthening health, behavioral health, and human services systems in Larimer County and beyond. She currently serves as a Division Manager with the Larimer County Department of Human Services, overseeing complex programs that support access to Medicaid, food assistance, and other critical safety-net services for tens of thousands of residents. Vanessa has led large, multidisciplinary teams through periods of significant change, managing multi-million-dollar budgets while maintaining a strong focus on equity, accountability, and community partnership. A former Health District employee, she brings deep institutional knowledge, strong regional relationships, and a collaborative leadership style grounded in transparency, trust, and results.

Kelsey Lyon is a public health and operations executive with over 15 years of experience leading complex organizations through strategic and operational transformation. Her background includes senior leadership roles overseeing finance, technology, and organizational operations, with a focus on governance, accountability, and health equity. She has extensive experience working with boards, government entities, and cross-sector partners, including leading a collaborative planning process with more than 100 agencies in Larimer County to advance Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities. Kelsey holds a Master of Public Health and is a resident of Fort Collins.