Brazos County Health District Director Santos Navarrette Jr. to retire

Brazos County Health District Director Dr. Santos Navarrette Jr. is set to retire after his successor is chosen by the health district board in January. 

The overview

Navarrette has served as health district director since 2018, after serving in various roles for Laredo and Taylor and Tarrant counties. Navarrette is also a U.S. Air Force veteran and holds a PhD in management from Wayland Baptist University. 

According to a news release from the Brazos County Health District, the district won the Local Health Department of the Year award from the Texas Association of City and County Health Officials for two years under Navarrette’s leadership. He also helped lead the Brazos Valley through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

College Station City Council member Bob Yancy, who is also a health district board member, said it was an honor to serve alongside Navarrette on the health district board and it wasn’t an accident that the district received many accolades under his leadership.

“He built something durable here. The partnerships he strengthened, the programs he grew and the professionalism he brought to the District will benefit Brazos County for years to come,” Yancy said in a statement.

Stay tuned

Navarrette is scheduled to retire on Jan. 31, 2027, to spend time with family. The health district will look for his successor in the coming weeks, with coordination from Navarrette to ensure a smooth transition.