Office of the Health Officer
HEALTH OFFICER
Steven Krager, MD, MPH. Dr. Steven Krager serves as the Health Officer for several public health jurisdictions in Washington State, including Walla Walla, Mason, Benton-Franklin, and Cowlitz Counties. In his role he works closely with local leaders, healthcare providers, and community partners to protect and promote the health of residents across the region.
Dr. Krager is passionate about translating complex public health ideas and guidance into clear communication for partners and residents.
Using his background in medicine and epidemiology, he has helped guide local responses to public health emergencies such as wildfire smoke events, the COVID-19 pandemic, and avian influenza.
Dr. Krager earned his medical degree from Creighton University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Colorado. He is dedicated to making public health accessible, collaborative, and focused on helping every community thrive.
Outside of work, you’ll find Dr. Krager exploring PNW forests with his three incredible kids or reading a work of science fiction
DEPUTY TO THE HEALTH OFFICER
Heather Hill, RN, BSN
Heather Hill is a respected public health leader known across Washington State for her depth of knowledge, collaborative spirit, and decades of dedicated service. For more than 40 years, she has advanced the mission of the Benton-Franklin Health District, serving in numerous leadership roles locally and statewide.
With expertise in clinical services, communicable disease surveillance, and outbreak investigation, Heather provides trusted guidance to colleagues and partners throughout the region. She has led several high-profile disease investigations that have drawn national attention and resulted in multiple published articles.
In 2023, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Heather to the Washington State Public Health Advisory Board, where she helps shape performance monitoring for the Governmental Public Health System.
Passionate about developing future public health professionals, Heather mentors’ students and interns from high school through graduate programs, sharing her enthusiasm for public health and its power to improve community well-being.
Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walla Walla University and began her career in acute care before discovering her true calling in public health in 1983. Beyond her professional work, she remains deeply involved in her community through various volunteer opportunities. She is a proud member of Kiwanis club of Pasco and was named Kiwanian of the Year (2019–2020).
At home in Pasco, Heather and her husband enjoy life on their small farm surrounded by dogs, cats, chickens, horses, and goats — a reflection of her love for nurturing both people and community.