Q: What is one thing you would like to say to the IIS community?
IIS are the foundational and only full population health system that exists, and they are the cornerstone of much of what is needed as we look towards modern and integrated Public Health approaches. Everyone in this community should be proud of the work they have done over the years and equally excited about the impact they are going to make in the future. Well done and keep charging forward!
Q: Tell us about your favorite or worst job in high school or college.
My worst, or I should say hardest, job was detasseling corn. Growing up in Iowa it was a common job to do in the summer. You had to wake up extremely early, and it was hard, demanding, physical work…. I only made it through one summer!
Q: You’ve served multiple times on the board. What keeps you coming back to the AIRA board specifically?
Being on the AIRA board is a great experience. It is a chance to learn, share your knowledge and expertise but, equally as important, meet great individuals that further expand your network, hear different perspectives, and have the opportunity to make a broader impact.
Q: If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future and why?
I would go back in time and grab those lotto numbers!
Q: What’s one thing you have learned from an AIRA workgroup or committee?
Being involved in the AIRA Finance Committee has been great. There are incredible committee members that I am surrounded by and learning from. Focusing on current financial responsibility while having an eye on the future has been a great experience.
Q: If you could be on a reality TV show, which one would you choose and why?
I don’t know if these actually count as reality TV, but I would love to be on The Travel Channel with Samantha Brown and the Oprah show. Those shows capture two great passions I have, and that is travel and getting to know and talking to interesting people.
Q: Share a person or experience that influenced your career in a positive way.
Belinda Baker, who was the former IIS manager for Washington state. Belinda was so knowledgeable about the IIS, the value it brings to Public Health, and working with the larger Public Health and health care community. Belinda demonstrated the best way to get things done and accomplish great things through hard work, collaboration, partnership, curiosity, and innovation. I try to live through those values and approach my work through that lens.
Q: Favorite dessert?
Strawberry cheesecake
Q: Is there anything new your organization is working on/toward that you would like to share?
Some of the biggest challenges facing Public Health and the larger health care ecosystem are vaccine hesitancy, equity, and access. STChealth is working on some innovative things that are trying to address these issues, incorporating advanced technologies with a focus on more precision data and tools through a lens of what is needed at every level from a population level, provider, and that individual consumers need.
