NASHVILLE, Tenn. April 3, 2007 -- The Metropolitan Board of Health of Nashville/Davidson County has named William S. Paul, M.D., M.P.H. as the new Director of Health of Nashville.

Paul, 48, will join the Metro Public Health Department July 9. He has served nearly 15 years with the Chicago Department of Public Health, most recently as the agency’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer.

“We conducted a very thorough search across the country and all of us are positive we have chosen a leader that will be the right fit with the staff and direction of the Health Department of this great city,” said Bill Hance, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Health.

“Dr. Bill Paul brings a combination of experience, education and management skills needed to be an outstanding Director of Health for Nashville. He is very personable and engaging,” Hance said.

Board of Health members reviewed 37 applicants for the Director of Health position.

“The Health Department has taken significant steps over the past eight years to make Nashville a healthier city,” said Mayor Bill Purcell. “Under Dr. Paul’s leadership I am confident the department will continue to move Nashville forward in a meaningful way as we continue to seek to improve the health in every part of our community.”

Paul is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He served for two years as an Epidemic Intelligence Services Officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, working in the Division of Vector Borne Infectious Disease. He has more than 16 years experience as a clinical physician, medical director, and public health officer.

"Although it has been wonderful to be part of the Chicago Department of Public Health for many years, I'm honored to have the opportunity to move to Nashville and lead such a well respected organization," Paul said. "The Health Department in Nashville has a national reputation of having an outstanding staff and a history of excellence,” Paul added.

Paul earned a Medical Doctorate from the University of Illinois’ College of Medicine and a Masters of Public Health from the University of Illinois’ School of Public Health. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University.

Paul is married with three children.

Paul replaces Stephanie Bailey, M.D. who left the Health Department to join the CDC in Atlanta.

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