OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Crry OF St. Lours LYDAKREWSON MISSOURI CITY HALL - ROOM 200 MAYOR 1200 MARKET STREET SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI. 63103-2877 May 27, 2020 (G14) 6223201 FAX: (14) 622-4061 KREWSONL@STLOUIS-MO.GOV Regarding Resolution Number 12 Dear President Reed, Aldermen, and Alderwomen A year ago | announced with great pride the appointment of Dr. Fredrick Echols as the City’s Director of Health & Hospitals. Dr. Echols was the first medical doctor to be appointed to this important position in many years. He graduated from Boston University Medical School in 2008. After completion of his study, Dr Echols served as a physician in the United States Navy- serving as senior medical officer for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron from 2008-2013. During this time he served in Afghanistan from 2010- 2011, and received numerous medals and awards for his service while serving our country. In 2014, Dr Echols was one of 10 individuals chosen for the prestigious 2 year CDC Population Health-Training in Place {CDC PH-TIPP). From 2013- 2016 Dr Echols served as Chief, Communicable Diseases, Illinois Dept of Health - during the Ebola er From 2016- 2019 he served as Director of Communicable Disease, Vector and Veterinary Programs for St. Louis County Department of Public Health. By training and experience his qualifications are sterling. Today | am even more proud of that appointment. For the past three months, Dr. Echols has confronted the worst, public health emergency in more than a century. Daily | have observed the intelligence, dedication, calm, integrity, and bravery that he has brought to his tireless battle against this terrible Covid19 pandemic that has impaired the health and taken the fives of St Louisans. There is no doubt that Dr. Echols amply possesses the training and experience to serve as the City’s health director. ‘Some seek to discredit this highly qualified physician, itis unclear what their motive is. There is no doubt that Dr Echols is qualified to serve as Director. The City Charter allows individuals with varying credentials to serve as the Director of Health. Clearly the Charter seeks to identify a number of possible qualifications for the Health Director. It allows someone with the minimum education of a Masters Degree in Public Health to serve as Director. Dr. Echols credentials as an MD with extensive public health training are far superior to the minimum qualifications allowed by the City Charter. hope Dr Echols will continue to serve as the Director of Health & Hospitals in spite of these personal attacks. We need his professional skills and credentials now more than ever. RespeCtupy 0 30 Lyda‘krewsor Mayor — St Louis