Larry Wolk MD, MSPH

Dr. Larry Wolk is Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Since joining the department in September 2013, Dr. Wolk’s mission has been to simplify the health system for the citizens of Colorado and to position the department as the leader in providing evidence-based health and environmental information. During his tenure, he has overseen flood recovery, a federal shutdown, and the promulgation of the nation’s first air quality rules specific to methane reduction for oil and gas operations. His new frontier is addressing the myriad issues surrounding medical and retail marijuana.

Before coming to the department, Dr. Wolk served as Chief Executive Officer of CORHIO, Colorado’s nonprofit health information exchange. He was an executive with Correctional Healthcare Companies, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colorado, Prudential Healthcare of Colorado, and CIGNA Healthcare. In 1996, Dr. Wolk founded the Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, one of Colorado’s largest safety net clinics and a national model for providing care to the uninsured. He continues to practice medicine there.

Dr. Wolk has received many honors, including Colorado Pediatrician of the Year, Denver Business Journal Healthcare Executive of the Year, and the 7News Denver Everyday Hero award.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides high-quality, cost-effective public health and environmental protection services. The department plays a critical role in providing education to Colorado’s citizens so they can make informed choices. In addition, the department is charged with identifying and responding to emerging issues that could affect Colorado’s health and environment.