DALLAS — City leaders have voted to appoint Veerinder “Vinny” Taneja as El Paso's next Director of the Department of Public Health.
The city said Dr. Taneja will start his new position in August 2024.
Dr. Taneja resigned as Tarrant County's top health official in February 2024, after WFAA's news partners at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram published a report detailing a 2021 complaint made against Taneja.
Sixteen current and former health department employees were interviewed and claimed Taneja created a "toxic and hostile work environment." But county investigators found no evidence Taneja broke the law or opened the county up to potential discrimination lawsuits.
Dr. Taneja has led Tarrant County's health department since September 2014, including at the Coronavirus pandemic's height. He has also held prominent positions at the state and national levels including President of the Texas Association of City and County Health Officials (TACCHO).
“Dr. Taneja's extensive background and proven track record in public health leadership make him an invaluable addition to our city,” said Interim City Manager Cary Westin. “His dedication to community health and innovative approaches will undoubtedly advance our efforts to enhance public health outcomes across El Paso.”
Dr. Taneja will take over the Director’s duties from City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza, who has served as the interim Director since May 2022, the city said in a news release. Dr. Ocaranza will continue serving as the City-County Health Authority.
Dr. Taneja will oversee all public health programs including the 211 Texas Rio Grande Region Area Information Center, vaccine records, restaurant safety standards, respiratory diseases and more.
