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, a 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.
