Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, Who Led Pasadena Health Department and City Through Uncharted Pandemic, Steps Down

Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, who led Pasadena’s Health Department through the COVID-19 pandemic, has stepped down from her position as Director of Public Health and City Health Officer. City Manager Miguel Márquez confirmed her departure in a statement on Tuesday.

Dr. Goh will now serve as Clinical Lead for a team working on a special project for United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The initiative aims to improve postpartum maternal health across the nation.

“I wish her well as she continues her public service journey, and I thank her for nearly 15 years of outstanding service to the City,” Márquez said. 

He praised Dr. Goh’s “unwavering leadership during the largest public health emergency in 100 years.”

During her tenure, Dr. Goh guided Pasadena through unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 4, 2020, she declared a Local Public Health Emergency, empowering the city to take necessary actions against the virus.

Under Dr. Goh’s leadership, Pasadena implemented measures like the “Safer at Home” order in coordination with Los Angeles County. Her efforts led to remarkably high vaccination rates, with 99.9% of residents receiving at least one dose and 93.3% receiving two doses by 2022.

Dr. Goh faced criticism, particularly from Councilmember Tyron Hampton, regarding the handling of COVID-19 outbreaks in elder care facilities. However, she received commendations from officials including former Mayor Terry Tornek and City Manager Steve Mermell for her effective leadership.

In August 2022, Dr. Goh took a leave originally planned for one year for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows Program. 

Upon her return she oversaw the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan for 2023-2028.

Manuel Carmona will now serve as Acting Director of the Health Department, with Dr. Parveen Kaur as Acting Health Officer. Both held these roles previously when Dr. Goh was on leave.