JOLIET – Members of the Will County Board of Health elected James E. Zelko as the board’s new president during Wednesday’s monthly business meeting.

It marks Zelko’s first term as president, but the Joliet native is no stranger to Will County public health. He retired from the health department in May 2008 after more than 37 years on the job. He served the agency in many capacities before being appointed as executive director in August 1991. He remained executive director until retiring.

He was appointed to the Board of Health in July 2008 and subsequently served six terms as board secretary.

Zelko replaces John Hines, who served as president since being appointed in 1998. He also served one term as vice president.

Billie Terrell, a University of St. Francis professor who chairs the master of social work program, is the board’s new vice president. Terrell specializes in individual and family treatment from a multicultural perspective.

Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Dan Forsythe replaces Zelko as board secretary.

Judith A. McDonald, Ph.D., was re-elected as member at-large. She has served continuously since October 1994.

A 12-member board comprised of consumers and health professionals, the Will County Board of Health meets on the third Wednesday monthly at the health department’s 501 Ella Ave. complex in Joliet.