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ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa is stepping down.
The county announced Kruppa’s resignation on Thursday, effective February 7. After 14 years in the county role, Kruppa leaves to join Cayuga Health as Assistant Vice President, Community Program Development and Partner Integration.
The county’s first health commissioner, Kruppa oversaw numerous changes and advancements during his tenure, including the 2022 integration of the public and mental health departments as Whole Health. As part of the county’s Reimagining Public Safety plans, he helped develop the CARE Team, which pairs a mental health professional with a law enforcement officer, and coordinated the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials say he was “instrumental” in mass vaccination clinic efforts and collaboration with community partners during a uniquely difficult time.
“Frank helped lead the county through some of the most difficult times in our history during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated outgoing Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes. “His professionalism, vision for the integrated department, knowledge, and commitment to the residents of Tompkins County is commendable. We are pleased that Frank will continue to serve the community through his new role and look forward to our continued partnership.”
In Kruppa’s stead, Whole Health Fiscal Administrator Jeremy Porter will serve as interim commissioner.
“We are pleased to have Jeremy Porter serve as interim commissioner while a search is conducted,” added Holmes. “Jeremy brings a deep understanding of operations of both public health and mental health services, making him well-suited to guide the team during this period of change.”
In his new role with Cayuga Health, officials say Kruppa will help “stand up the federally qualified health center for clinically underserved communities in Elmira and Ithaca.” Kruppa will additionally play a key role in Cayuga Health’s Crisis Stabilization Center project, set to open on North Triphammer Road in the Village of Lansing at the end of the year, or early 2026.
“Cayuga Health is fortunate to have Frank joining our team,” said COO of Cayuga Medical Associates and Vice President of Ambulatory Services Jeff Penoyer. “Frank has been a valued partner to Cayuga Health for many years and is a proven advocate for our community. His in-depth knowledge of public, mental, and behavioral health operations will add valuable insight as Cayuga Health enhances the services we provide to some of our most vulnerable patients.”
Kruppa will begin at Cayuga Health in March.