Southern Seven Health Department, Head Start name new executive director

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) — Southern Seven Health Department and Head Start announced the appointment of Jennifer Parks as its new executive director.

Parks has served the agency for several years, most recently as early childhood administrator and interim co-executive director. Officials said her leadership helped guide the organization through key transitions while strengthening community partnerships and maintaining health and early childhood services across the seven southernmost counties of Illinois.

As executive director, Parks will oversee public health, WIC, environmental health, health education, and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Her responsibilities will include leading long-term strategic initiatives focused on expanding access to family services, improving early childhood outcomes, and sustaining public health programs throughout the region.

“I am honored to serve the communities of Southern Illinois in this capacity,” Parks said. “Southern Seven has a long history of supporting children, families and public health, and I am committed to strengthening our programs and supporting our staff.”

The Southern Seven Health Department Board said it is confident in Parks’ vision and commitment to the agency’s mission of promoting health, safety and school readiness for families in the region.

Southern Seven Health Department serves the seven southernmost counties of Illinois, providing public health services, disease prevention programs and early childhood education as the region’s Head Start grantee.