Damon T. Arnold, M.D., M.P.H., was named the 16th Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health on October 1, 2007. Prior to his current position, Dr. Arnold was the medical director for bioterrorism and preparedness for the Chicago Department of Public Health. During his professional career, he also was medical director for St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island, Illinois; LTV Steel Company in Indiana; and Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago. He has served in the Army National Guard for 24 years, holds the rank of colonel and, currently, is the guard’s commander of the Joint Task Force Medical Command in Springfield and the Illinois State Surgeon. Over the years, he has had a distinguished military career and received many military awards, including Army Commendation, National Defense Service and Humanitarian Service medals. He has served missions to Iraq, Kuwait, Central America, South America, Africa and Europe, as well as participated in relief efforts for hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was the American Red Cross Military Hero of the Year for 2007. Dr. Arnold received his M.D. and M.P.H. degrees from the University of Illinois, and has completed several law courses at DePaul University College of Law. Dr. Arnold chairs the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Preparedness Policy Committee, sits on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, and serves as Liaison Representative for Board of Scientific Counselors, Coordinating office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response (COTPER).