Helen Eddy, pictured, has been named director of the Polk County Health Department, effective in February with the retirement of current Director Rick Kozin. “We are thrilled to welcome Helen to Polk County. She has 30 years of leadership success in the healthcare industry and has extensive skills and experience in organizational planning and in building relationships,” John Mauro, chairman of the board of supervisors, said in a statement. Eddy is a trained pharmacist and her experience includes senior executive responsibilities at Hy-Vee Inc. in leading store directors, dietitians and pharmacists. She has been responsible for implementing many of Hy-Vee’s health and wellness programs for customers and employees, including programs for immunizations, tobacco cessation, diabetes management and weight loss. While at Hy-Vee she also was instrumental in initiating the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative and served as the first executive director of the initiative. Eddy has a pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa and a master of business administration degree from Drake University.