About Our Health Officer

R. Matthew Dobson, M.S.

Administrator | Health Officer
Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County

Matthew Dobson began his career with the department as a health educator at DOH-Santa Rosa. In less than a year, he became the public health services manager and helped lead Santa Rosa’s work toward reaccreditation. While at Santa Rosa he has served as the lead staff member for the Community Health Needs Assessment, Community Health Improvement Plan, strategic plan, performance management quality improvement plan, and workforce development Plan.

Dobson has successfully completed the Public Health Executive Leadership Class offered by the Department in conjunction with University of South Florida. He was appointed to the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Steering Committee as well as the State Agency Performance Management Council.

Prior to entering the public health field, Matthew worked almost 15 years as a wellness education specialist for the Florida Department of Corrections. He also taught life fitness classes and administration of professional programs course work as an adjunct professor at Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida, in Pensacola.

Dobson holds a master of science degree in health, leisure, and sports/physical education from the University of West Florida, and a bachelor of science in criminology from Florida State University. While attending Florida State, he was captain of the cross country team and co-captain of the track and field team. Matthew won a conference championship in the 10,000 meter run for the Florida State Seminoles and later became the first American to win overall in the 2004 Walt Disney World Marathon.

Matthew also earned a master of divinity degree from Liberty University and completed the U.S. Army Basic Officers School for Military Chaplains at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He retired from military service after serving over eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Matthew specializes in community health endeavors and promotes active lifestyles, good nutritional habits, and healthy lifestyle behaviors to maximize the benefits of living well. Dobson believes the key to building healthy communities in Santa Rosa is identifying needs and building partnerships through collaboration to meet the needs of the community.

Senior Leadership Team

Dede Barrett
Operations Analyst II

Mary Clanton
Manager of Operations

Herman Davies, REHS                             
Environmental Public Health Manager       

Kimberly Fischer
Community Health Manager

Lis Jordan
WIC Manager

Del W. Lewis, PHFM                                
Administrative Services Manager 

Sherry Worley
Director of Nursing