About our Health Officer

Tonya James
Health Officer
Florida Department of Health in Taylor and Wakulla Counties

Mrs. Tonya James has been a dedicated member of the Florida Department of Health since 2000. She currently serves as the Health Officer/Administrator for the Department of Health in Wakulla and Taylor Counties, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Administrator from 2014 to 2021. Throughout her 25-year career with the Department, Tonya has held a variety of roles, including Community Health Manager, Tobacco Prevention Specialist, and Family Support Worker for both the Healthy Families and Healthy Start programs.

Tonya is actively involved in her community, serving on several boards including the Wakulla Extension Board of Directors, Wakulla Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Healthy Start Board of Directors, Wakulla Transportation Disadvantage Board, and the Big Bend AHEC Board of Directors. She also participates in numerous local initiatives such as the Wakulla Wellness Task Force, Taylor Community Health Improvement Task Force, Taylor County Shared Services, Taylor County Chamber of Commerce, Wakulla Rotary, and Taylor Rotary. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in the Wakulla County Coalition for Youth, including President, Vice President, and Treasurer.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University and earned a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Addiction and Recovery in 2016. In 2018, she was selected for the Public Health Leadership program at the University of South Florida, completing the program in 2019.

Tonya is deeply committed to the mission and vision of the Florida Department of Health. Her leadership priorities include building healthier communities, fostering a culture of excellence in the workplace, and addressing public health challenges through strategic partnerships. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes meeting people where they are—both professionally and within the community—and leading by example. She is passionate about empowering her team with the tools and training they need to represent the Department with professionalism and integrity.