ROCHESTER, N.Y. — He has become a household in our area during the pandemic and now he'll have a chance to serve Monroe County residents for several more years to come.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced Thursday the reappointment of Dr. Michael Mendoza for another six-year term as the county’s public health commissioner. Mendoza’s reappointment is pending approval by the Monroe County Legislature.

“Throughout the greatest health crisis our community has seen in more than a century, Dr. Michael Mendoza has been a steadfast partner and leader as we focused on ensuring the health and safety of Monroe County residents,” said County Executive Bello. “With his help, my administration forged lasting, cooperative relationships throughout our healthcare systems, brought necessary care to our underserved residents and kept our residents educated and informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we take on the opioid epidemic, continue to make progress providing early intervention services and make MCDPH more accessible for all our residents.“

Mendoza started in the position in 2016 on an interim basis before becoming permanent.

Since then, the county says Mendoza has grown the department by nearly 15%, expanding mobile outreach, oversaw the administration of nearly 170,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and now, vaccines for monkeypox.

“Six years ago, I entered this job uncertain about my commitment to the first six years,” Mendoza said. “Today, I look ahead, very committed to navigating the uncertainty of the next six years."

Dr. Mendoza is Monroe County’s ninth commissioner of public health.