Janel Obenchain

Janel Obenchain currently serves as the Deputy Director for Del Norte County, starting in June 2024. Previously, Janel worked as an Epidemiologist for the County of San Benito from July 2021 to May 2024, focusing on community health and supervising the Community Health and Equity Team. Janel's background includes editorial leadership at Health IQ, where Janel was Editor in Chief from October 2015 to November 2019, and prior roles in research and writing related to food, legal, and health policy. Janel has also provided analytical support at Second Harvest Food Bank, consulted on food safety with United Way of New York City, and contributed to policy development with the New York City Food and Fitness Partnership. Earlier career experiences include revenue contract management at Macromedia and contracts and legal operations at Epicentric. Janel holds a Master of Public Health in Nutrition from City University of New York-Hunter College and a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.