About our Health Officer

Sherry Duncan is a lifelong resident of Putnam County who began her public health career in 2005 as an Accountant Supervisor at the Putnam County Health Department. Over the next decade, Sherry embraced leadership roles as Business Manager, Administrative Services Director, and Senior Public Health Services Manager, gaining hands-on experience in health operations, programs, and fiscal strategy. Throughout her career, Sherry has championed programs, policies, and partnerships that elevate public health from the ground up.

In 2015, Sherry joined the Department of Health in Marion County, which is four times larger than Putnam. With a more complex financial structure, she expanded her operational scope and managed budgets of up to $20 million from 2015 to 2021. Her effective resource management and leadership in high-stakes public health projects led to her promotion to Assistant Director in 2021. In this role, Sherry co-led major initiatives, managed critical public health projects, and led emergency response operations, including coordination of special needs shelters during activations.

Returning to her hometown, Sherry was appointed DOH-Putnam’s Administrator in June 2025. She brings to this role systems thinking, strategic insight, and a deep sense of community commitment. Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and will complete her Master of Business Administration at the University of West Florida (Go Argonauts!) in December 2025. She is also certified in Lean Six Sigma as a Green Belt and completed the University of South Florida’s Public Health Executive Leadership Program in 2022.

Sherry has participated in numerous statewide training initiatives, held various positions on the Business Manager Association Board, including President, and served as Treasurer for the Florida Public Health Association for four years. She has also collaborated with other states to share locally implemented workforce development initiatives. Now back in Putnam, Sherry is eager to work alongside her fellow public health professionals.