New Public Health Supervisor starts at Cook County

Cook County has hired a new public health supervisor.

Avi Sukhwal will replace Grace Grinager, who became director of Public Health and Human Services at the end of 2025.

Sukhwal most recently worked in Freeborn County as a public health planner, where he helped develop community health assessments and health improvement plans.

Sukhwal said he discovered a passion for public health early in college.

“I was originally supposed to go into pre-med, but then I discovered public health, and I fell in love with it,” Sukhwal told WTIP.

That interest led him to earn a master’s degree in public health, and he is currently working toward a doctorate.

“I love working with people, and I really like empowering them. You know, I think that health is probably one of the most personal things that we have,” Sukhwal told WTIP.  “I love a good coalition. I like being able to empower a staff to be the best versions of themselves that they can be. Not to mention, I’m a sucker for a good budget. And I love spreadsheets, so the administrative portion is also really great.”

Unlike some who move to Cook County, Sukhwal didn’t take his new position to be closer to hiking, nature, or Lake Superior. It was the job that brought him here.  But he’s no stranger to rural communities.

“I worked in Freeborn County, and then before that, I was in Kandiyohi-Renville counties, which are all pretty rural. And I gotta say that it’s really rewarding, because people are so passionate about health in rural communities, and you get to work with people from all walks of life,” Sukhwal said. ” Like you’ve got people who are more relaxed about approaching empowering for healthcare, and then you have people who are like, super passionate and driving champions and working with those groups and having them lift each other up.”

In his first months, Sukhwal said he plans to attend community events and coalition meetings to learn from local leaders and build relationships.

He also praised Grinager, his predecessor.

“Grace did a really wonderful job in her tenure as the public health supervisor, and I’m lucky enough to build off of that,” Sukhwal said. “I think she’s doing a fantastic job as the new Director for Public Health and Human Services. The staff in public health really love her, and it’s big shoes to fill.”

Josh Hinke April 9, 2026