Pasadena Names Permanent Health Officer After Nearly Three Years of Interim Leadership

Parveen Kaur, the infectious disease specialist who declared Pasadena’s public health emergency during the Eaton Fire in January, has been selected as the city’s permanent Health Officer after serving in an interim and acting capacity since 2023.

The appointment, announced by Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona, fills the top medical authority role at the Pasadena Public Health Department — one of only a handful of independent city-run health departments in California.

As Health Officer, Kaur holds the power to declare health emergencies, issue public health orders, and direct clinical programs for the city’s roughly 139,000 residents.

Kaur’s path to the permanent post followed a series of leadership transitions. She was first contracted as interim Health Officer in September 2023, when former Health Officer Ying-Ying Goh extended a fellowship leave. When Goh departed permanently in July 2024 to join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Kaur became Acting Health Officer and Carmona became Acting Director of Public Health.

Months after their acting roles began, the Eaton Fire struck. In January, Kaur declared a local health emergency, citing risks from toxic ash, debris, and particulate matter. She later amended the declaration as environmental testing data became available, according to the city’s press release, and developed public health guidance and policy during the fire recovery.

“Kaur continues to demonstrate exceptional public health expertise and leadership skills,” Carmona said in a statement released by the city. “Her experience and dedication to our community have made a meaningful impact and remain critical to protecting public safety and advancing public health in Pasadena.”

Kaur has more than 25 years of medical experience, according to the city’s announcement, including leadership roles with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. She has served as a physician at the department’s Tuberculosis Clinic since 2021, a role the city’s press release describes as Pasadena Tuberculosis Controller.

Beyond fire response, Kaur has led the department’s medical efforts on infectious disease, including issuing orders regarding healthcare worker vaccinations and, most recently, urging residents to get vaccinated against measles amid rising cases across California and Los Angeles County.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Health Officer,” Kaur said in the city’s statement. “I am honored to be part of such a committed and mission-driven team focused on promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the Pasadena community.”

Pasadena’s health department, active since 1892, operates independently of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health — an arrangement shared only with Long Beach and Berkeley among California cities. The department has 115 full time employees and a $21.1 million annual budget, according to city records.

Carmona, who was formally appointed Director of Public Health in January, made the selection of Kaur for the Health Officer position. The two roles are distinct: the Director oversees department operations and administration, while the Health Officer serves as the medical authority responsible for clinical programs, emergency declarations, and coordination with regional, state, and federal health officials.

Kaur’s appointment comes as the department manages ongoing Eaton Fire health monitoring and responds to elevated measles activity statewide. As of early February 2026, there were no confirmed measles cases among Pasadena residents, but cases had been confirmed in neighboring Los Angeles County and Orange County.

“With increasing measles activity across the nation and region, I urge Pasadena residents to take steps now to protect their health and the health of their loved ones,” Carmona said in a separate statement earlier this month.

The department can be reached at (626) 744-6000. It is located at 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave.