Dr. Gelman
GOSHEN – The former Fulton County director of public health has
been named Orange County health commissioner by County Executive Steven
Neuhaus.
Dr. Irina Gelman, a native of Moldova, an Eastern European country and
former Soviet Republic, is fluent in Spanish, Russian and Yiddish. She
moved to the United States with her family at age nine and was raised
in Brooklyn.
“The county is fortunate to have someone as talented as Dr. Gelman
to lead our health department,” said Neuhaus. “Dr. Gelman’s
experience coupled with her passion for public service makes her a great
perfect fit for this important position.” He said she will bring
“fresh and innovative programs to the county’s residents.”
County Legislature Chairman Steven Brescia said Gelman “is the right
choice at the right time for the health department.” He said he
is “impressed with her energy and I think Dr. Gelman has the perfect
temperament to work with her talented staff and the community.”
Gelman received her doctorate of podiatric medicine from the New York
College of Podiatric Medicine in 2010 and completed her residency at Coney
Island Hospital in 2014. She earned her masters of public health in 2012
from Nova Southern College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida.
Dr. Gelman and her family will relocate to Orange County from Johnstown.
Her appointment was approved by the State Health Department and is pending
county legislative approval. She will start in mid-July.
