GREENFIELD — The city is moving forward in the search process for a new health director following the resignation of Jennifer Hoffman in October.

Mayor Roxann Wedegartner told members of the Board of Health this week that the city has identified a candidate she would like to bring in for an interview. She described him as a medical doctor and epidemiologist with a master’s degree in public health. He is currently based in Maryland.

“He’s experienced in a lot of areas of public health, including behavioral health,” Wedegartner said.

The mayor said she would like a member of the Board of Health and Medical Director Timothy Lepore to be present for the candidate’s second interview.

The search for a new director comes after former Health Director Jennifer Hoffman resigned from the role, citing the “emotional toll” of constant scrutiny, harassment and verbal abuse from the public. Her last day was Oct. 20. Hoffman had previously served on the Board of Health in 2020 and was named interim health director in September of the same year, following Valerie Bird’s retirement. She became the full-time health director in February 2021.

In the meantime, the Board of Health worked out an arrangement last month with the Health Department — which includes two health inspectors, a public health nurse and a medical director — to divide up Hoffman’s responsibilities, such as putting together meeting agendas.

Wedegartner previously said the hope would be to find a new health director as soon as possible.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.