Marathon County is pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlin Suginaka as the County’s new Health Officer, effective September 29, 2025.

Suginaka brings more than 15 years of experience in public health, with expertise in trauma-responsive program design, chronic disease prevention, epidemiology, public health policy development, and community engagement. In her new role, she will lead the Marathon County Health Department, guiding efforts to protect and promote the health and well-being of residents across the county.

Prior to joining Marathon County, Suginaka served as a Wellbeing Strategist for the Minnesota Department of Health, a Lecturer with the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and a Project Manager with the Eau Claire City/County Health Department, leading initiatives to provide resources and information to improve health outcomes and strengthen community capacity.

Suginaka earned her Master of Public Health from Des Moines University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from St. Olaf College. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Public Health from the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University.

“I am honored to join the Marathon County team,” said Suginaka. “My family and I are excited to become part of this community and look forward to enjoying all the amenities the area has to offer. I am eager to work alongside the dedicated Health Department staff and community partners as we strengthen the County’s ability to meet both current and future public health challenges.”