Hector Ocaranza to fill public health role
EL PASO – On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Public Service Board welcomed its newest member, Hector Ocaranza, a local board-certified pediatrician and former City-County Health Authority.
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed to the board because there is a lot of good work that is being done,” said Dr. Ocaranza. “I believe my expertise can enrich the already well-represented board.”
Ocaranza will fill the Environmental/Health role on the PSB. He succeeds Dr. Ivonne Santiago who served two four-year terms on the Board.
“The PSB is fortunate to have so many talented individuals, and the addition of Dr. Ocaranza brings a new perspective that the board can benefit from,” said John Balliew, President/CEO of EPWater. “His years of public service will be invaluable as we continue our work to meet the needs of our community.”
Ocaranza has more than 25 years of experience in general pediatrics and a master’s in public health from the University of Texas HSC-Houston, School of Public Health with over 16 years of experience serving the community as the Health Authority. He led the community through different public health threats and challenges such as the H1N1 pandemic, Tuberculosis exposure of infants, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
EPWater is governed by the PSB, which consists of the Mayor of the City of El Paso and six board members, who are appointed by the City Council. Board members serve four-year terms.