Service
Service is at the heart of my work as a public health leader. Throughout my career, I have sought opportunities to strengthen communities, advance the field of public health, and support the growth of others through leadership, mentorship, and collaboration. Whether serving on national boards, guiding local coalitions, or engaging directly with community partners, service is both a responsibility and a privilege, an essential way to translate values into action and create lasting impact.
Professional Service
I contribute to the advancement of public health at the national, state, and local levels. As the Region 8 Representative on the NACCHO Board of Directors, I help shape organizational direction, elevate regional perspectives, and strengthen the collective voice of local public health departments. I also serve on committees and advisory groups with state and federal partners, where my focus is on bridging rural perspectives with broader public health initiatives. Additionally, I have contributed to professional publications and practical toolkits, ensuring that practical, community-informed solutions are widely shared.
Community Service
At the community level, service means working alongside partners to build healthier, stronger, and more resilient systems. In Bismarck, I have led collaborative efforts to address behavioral health, addiction, and homelessness. I actively participate in coalitions and task forces focused on affordable housing, mental health, and access to health care, ensuring diverse voices are included in decision-making. Through outreach campaigns and public speaking engagements, I aim to empower communities with knowledge while building trust and collaboration.
Academic Service
Service also extends to my commitment to developing the next generation of public health professionals. I mentor students and early-career practitioners, providing guidance on leadership, practice, and advocacy. As a speaker at national conferences, such as NACCHO 360, and through guest lectures at universities,I share lessons from the field to help bridge academic learning with the realities of public health practice. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen the workforce and contribute to a stronger connection between scholarship, leadership, and applied practice. This commitment has been recognized through selection for induction into the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, along with honors including the NDMA Friend of Medicine Award and Healthcare Hero of the Year.