NALBOH supports and strengthens public health by building stronger and better board members.
The trusted advocacy and education resource for local boards of health THANK YOU
NALBOH STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Eric Ostermann
ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR
Jamie Michael
EVENTS & MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
Kaytlyn Walker
OFFICE MANAGER
Sandy Shimon
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Skyler Wolff
563 Carter Court, Suite B, Kimberly, WI 54136 920-560-5644 | nalboh@badgerbay.co
Annual Conference: Savannah, GA October 6-8, 2025
Spring Symposium: Virtual event focused on Governance & public health hot topics
Webinars & Town Hall
Sessions
Governance in Action series
Members participate in the annual policy event to build on skills as public health leaders; meet in DC with partners to advocate for public health and health departments
Participation in national workgroups & boards to define, increase significance and advance public health
governance
Self-assessment of board governance was developed to evaluate governance practices based on national standards
Board orientation & Board of Health 101 materials
National public health partners share legal, financial, policy and workforce resources for board members
Town Halls host members and partners sharing their experiences on current and emerging issues in board governance
Quarterly state leaders calls
Developing member communities that share similar interests to connect with one another online or in-person at events
PRESIDENT
Nancy Terwoord Fairborn, OH
TREASURER
Jacquelyn D. Miller DDS Lancaster, NE
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Arba Kenner MD Franklin, KY
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Tene Hamilton Franklin Nashville, TN
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Jack Bernard Fayetteville, GA
PAST PRESIDENT
Benjamin Tillett PharmD Roxboro, NC
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Marielena Moreno-Garcia Burlington, NC
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Melody Stafford Owenton, KY
SECRETARY
Mary Kitten DNP, RN, CRRN Greenfield, WI
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Christina Welter Chicago, IL
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Linda Montgomery Jerome, ID
PRESIDENT
OH
Oh my, where has 2024 gone? I know that time flies as you get older, but this year really just flew by me! ….and what a year it has been.
I am truly concerned for public health as we head into a new administration. From funding worries, potential dismantling of federal institutions that work everyday to keep us safe and underqualified non-public health people as potential leaders.
Now, more than ever, all of us must continue to be vocal advocates for public health. Local public health departments will need to tell our stories using non partisan education that continue to support the science, the research and the data that we gather to keep our residents informed.
Now, more than ever, we must be the leaders in advocacy for public health as we explain the value of public health and what we do. We must work with in our own communities to encourage all our citizens to vote as we know those states with more voting access and increased participation have better health outcomes. To that end, even Healthy People 2030 is promoting that all eligible voters vote as one of their goals.
We know that most people care about infectious disease control, chronic disease prevention injury prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness, improved maternal and child health, mental health support, food and drug safety and community health initiatives. and that is what we do in public health! These combined efforts have greatly increased life expectancy and the quality of life worldwide.
I challenge you all to get more engaged as board of health members. Be the advocates that speaks up for public health. Be the voice that can out-message the distrust and any potential misinformation that may come from people in positions of power by telling your stories supported by the data and the work done at our local public health departments. Engage in capacity building for your own boards of health. Policy makers need to hear our stories and learn the ways to address the root causes of health issues affecting your communities. We are public health advocates. Use your voice!
There is a very interesting study that was done by The Network for Public Health Law, the CDC Foundation and the de Beaumont Foundation that studies public health advocacy at the state level. It lists every state and the District of Columbia. If you have not read it, please check it out and share it!
You can download the information for your State of State-level Public Health Advocacy: Findings and Implications from a 50-state Scan and for Scans of Public Health Advocacy Capacity.
And last, but not least, I hope you all had a happy and healthy holiday season. I hope you took the time to enjoy the holidays have to offer. We are looking forward to coming back in 2025 even more engaged and ready to start the new year as we all advocate for public health.
DEADLINE: January 31, 2025
Join the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) in our mission to support and strengthen public health by building stronger and better board members. We are seeking dynamic presenters and trainers for a virtual series in April 2025 focused on enhancing board orientation and providing essential board governance resources.
This series targets individuals interested in serving on public health boards and current board members looking to strengthen their governance skills. Participants range from new board members to experienced leaders seeking advanced development opportunities. Attendees will gain essential skills to excel in their governance roles and support the success of their local boards.
Below are suggested training topics, though proposals on additional relevant topics are welcome:
• Board Roles and Responsibilities: Understanding the Governance Role of Local Boards of Health
• Working Effectively with your Health Director and Board
• Ethics and Accountability: Ensuring Transparency and Ethical Decision-Making in Board Activities
• Leadership Development: Building Leadership Skills for Board Members
Submission Guidelines:
The current NALBOH board welcomes two new board members, beginning their two years of service until August 2026 in the Director at Large Position:
Christina R. Welter, DrPH, MPH (she/her) is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Health Policy and Administration Division at the University of Illinois Chicago, School of Public Health where she also serves as the Director of the Doctor in Public Health Leadership Program and the Associate Director of the Policy, Practice, and Prevention Research Center. Dr. Welter is a pracademic with decades of experience leading or evaluating health justice policy and systems change. She deeply values building long-standing relationships with her partners, working to elevate their leadership and learning to address complex challenges in ways that foster sustained equity and impact.
Dr. Welter currently co-leads multiple transformational practice and applied research projects including but not limited to the Learning Agenda for Systems Change (www.publichealthlearningagenda.org) as well as a nearly decade long initiative with health department and worker rights and safety partners to facilitate healthy and just work for precariously employed workers. Dr. Welter is the co-editor and co-author to Leading Systems Change in Public Health: A Field Guide for Practitioners and two book chapters in Building Strategic Skills for Better Health. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Health in Oak Park, Illinois, the National Association of Local Boards of Health representative to the Public Health Accreditation Board Advisory Council, and a member-at-large NALBOH board member.
Prior to coming to UIC, Dr. Welter served as the Deputy Director at the Cook County Department of Public Health where she catalyzed the establishment of several ongoing and award-winning leadership collaboratives and secured over 25 million dollars in funding to implement policy, systems, and environmental changes initiatives. Dr. Welter previously served as one of the inaugural Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Site Team Chairs and as a member of PHAB’s first Standards and Measures Workgroup. She received her Doctorate in Public Health Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and her Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan in Health Education and Health Behavior
Tené Hamilton Franklin is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC), where she utilizes her extensive expertise in public health, healthcare, and organizational change. In her role, Tené focuses on strategic leadership, team development, and driving measurable outcomes to enhance the organization’s impact.
Before joining TJC, Tené served as the Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement at Health Leads, where she promoted intercultural competence and inclusive leadership. In this position, she developed the organization’s internal and external racial health equity strategy and provided consultation on community engagement and public health initiatives aimed at improving health equity.
Tené later became the Executive Director for Health Leads in the Southeast United States, overseeing program design, development, implementation, and operations in that region. Prior to her work at Health Leads, Tené was the Minority Health Officer for the State of Tennessee. In this role, she championed health equity strategies to eliminate health disparities through collaboration with legislators, diverse communities, and Tennessee Department of Health programs.
Tené is a member of the Health Equity Community Collaborative’s Child Health Equity Workgroup and is the Principal and Founder of Hamilton Franklin Strategies, a consulting practice focused on systems change and health equity solutions.
In addition to her professional work, Tené chairs the Metro Public Health Department Board of Health in Nashville, TN, as well as the Tennessee State NAACP Health Committee. She is actively involved in several national and community organizations, including the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH), the American Cancer Society’s Voice of Black Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Nashville General Hospital Foundation Board, and the Meharry Medical College/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center/Tennessee State University Cancer Partnership (MVTCP).
A native of Chattanooga, TN, Tené holds a master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from Howard University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Virginia. She resides in Davidson County, TN, with her husband and two daughters. Tené is also a breast cancer survivor who enjoys running, bird watching, and spending time with her family
Enhancing Board of Health Training —North Carolina Task Force Results
Recording Available!
Watch the recording of a webinar held in November about Enhancing Board of Health Training, and the recommendations that came from North Carolina. Boards of health across the country have strengths and weaknesses, and vary based on their statutory requirement and effectiveness. Join Dr. Karl Johnson, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health professor, as he discusses themes of what created strong boards of health in North Carolina. Strong BOHs were noted as fulfilling three identities on behalf of the LHD: an advocate, bridge, and advisor. Wide variations exist in boards of health across the state, partially due to how different LHD configurations structurally focus resources and attention on public health.
Karl Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Leadership and Practice at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Karl is passionate about working alongside and advocating for the work of local public health, including the work of local governmental health departments and community-based organizations. He believes deeply in the integration of public health research and practice, as well as the importance of working with local communities to solve complex, cross-sector public health challenges. The focus of Karl’s research has been on cross-sector collaborations to address health equity, the role of local governmental health departments in securing needed public health goods and services, and the role and importance of local boards of health. For his dissertation Karl assessed the current strengths and weaknesses of the board of health as an institution in North Carolina, as well as how the relationship between the board and the health department is influenced by variations in organizational and governance structures across the state.
Founding Member of the National Association of Local Boards of Health, Ned Eugene Baker, Passes Away at 97
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ned Eugene Baker, age 97, on January 4, 2025. Mr. Baker passed away peacefully at his residence in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Born on January 22, 1927, in Wauseon, Ohio, Ned Eugene Baker was a visionary leader in public health. He was a founding member of the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) and served as our first executive director. His dedication to public health earned him the prestigious Hageman Award, named in honor of Rev. Everett Hageman, another founding member of NALBOH. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of communities.
In 2009, the Governor of Kentucky honored Mr. Baker with the title of Kentucky Colonel for his pivotal role in supporting the formation of a state association of boards of health in Kentucky.
Ned Eugene Baker’s legacy is etched in the foundation of NALBOH and the countless lives he impacted through his commitment to public health. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, and family. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time of loss.
In the midst of political, climate, and social change, effective cross-sector partnerships and community-based collaborations can help public health communicators share stronger stories to improve community health outcomes.
Watch a most recent webinar on Working Together to Build Trust in Public Health and view the presentation slides to learn communications tactics to start and sustain relationships.
Thank you to all who attended the 2024 NALBOH Annual Conference! The Hutton Hotel | Nashville, TN
NALBOH held their 2024 Annual Conference at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville on August 12-14, 2024. Topics covered included Highly Effective Board Governance, A Reckoning for Public Health & Its Future, and breakout sessions on public health and leadership development.
Thank you to all our presenters, attendees and exhibitors who were able to join us!
Conference Highlights
The 2025 NALBOH Annual Conference will be held at the DeSoto in Savannah, Georgia on October 6-8, 2025.
Hotel Information
Reserve your overnight accommodations before Friday, September 5, 2025 to receive the NALBOH group rate of $199 plus taxes and fees. To make reservations, click the link here or call the DeSoto at 1-855-703-4655 and reference that you are with the NALBOH group block.
Platinum Sponsor | 1 Spot Available at $6,000
• Includes entire list of Silver Sponsor benefits in addition to:
• One quarter of complimentary advertising on the NALBOH Website & Newsbrief Feature. ($1,500 value)
• Primary recognition on the Conference app.
• Complimentary 2025 NALBOH Partner Membership. ($500 value)
• Introduction of Representatives at keynote address.
Gold Sponsor | 2 Spots Available at $4,000
• Includes entire list of Silver Sponsor benefits in addition to:
• Logo included on attendee name badges.
• Option to place promotional items or literature for your company for each attendee in session room.
Silver Sponsor | 5 Spots Available at $2,000
• Logo inclusion in the Sponsor/Exhibitor Slide Show.
• Premier placement of exhibit display in expo hall. ($1000 value) Company listing in event program and event app.
• Complimentary Full Conference Registration for two company representatives. ($1,000 value) Name badges with Sponsor recognition ribbons.
• Recognition on the NALBOH website with link to your company website.
Exhibit Display $500 NALBOH Partner Members/$750 Non Partner Members Display Includes: 8’ x 30” skirted table and two chairs.
Non-competitive exhibit viewing times.
Roster of attendees provided onsite to each vendor upon arrival
Complimentary meals and refreshments during exhibit hours (Tuesday and Wednesday lunch included).
Take advantage of our advertising add on package! Package includes advertisement in the Conference app, and a quarter of advertising on the NALBOH website or Newsbrief (valued at $500). This package is ONLY $400.
This annotated discussion guide provides a pathway for dialogue between public health agency leadership and staff to identify and work to address worker needs. The discussion guide is customizable for use in any agency, division, unit, or team that is interested in fostering a culture of worker well-being!
As a reminder, all board of health members and staff are represented through NALBOH Membership. Renew your membership today!
• Discounted rates to NALBOH conferences, Spring Virtual Symposium, webinars, town halls, and events
• Newsbrief electronically containing featured board members & health departments
• Monthly electronic newsletter to all listed board of health members
• Free Governance in Action Series- Orientation for Board of Health Members
• Access to members-only online resources
• New Career Center for posting your health department’s positions!
Renowned Public Health Leader to Drive Transformational Efforts to Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure and Accreditation Nationwide
ALEXANDRIA, VA, December 16, 2024 — The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) today announced that Joneigh S. Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP, has been named as the organization’s new President and CEO. Dr. Khaldun will assume her new role on January 13, 2025. Dr. Khaldun’s appointment follows an extensive national search for a candidate with an exceptional record in public health leadership, strong business acumen, and the ability to drive transformational initiatives. She succeeds Paul Kuehnert, DNP, RN, CPH, FAAN, who is retiring after five impactful years of service during which PHAB experienced significant growth and expansion.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Joneigh Khaldun as the new President and CEO of PHAB,” said Dr. Claude A. Jacob, Chair of the Board of Directors and Public Health Director for the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. “Joneigh brings a wealth of knowledge, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing public health. The Board is confident in her ability to lead the talented PHAB team into the future.”
Most recently, Dr. Khaldun served as the inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer at CVS Health, where she improved demographic data collection and use, implemented disparity reduction programs, expanded access to community health workers, and strengthened accreditation efforts. Prior to her role at CVS Health, Dr. Khaldun served as Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health, overseeing five state agencies. She was the lead strategist for Michigan’s COVID-19 response and was appointed to the nation’s Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
“PHAB made an exceptional choice in selecting Dr. Joneigh Khaldun as their next leader,” says Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and former health commissioner for Baltimore City and Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health. “Joneigh has extensive public health experience and knows how to effectively work with health departments and build coalitions. I look forward to all she will do in this role to advance public health in the U.S. ”
Dr. Khaldun’s earlier roles include Director of the Detroit Health Department, Chief Medical Officer for the Baltimore City Health Department, and Fellow in the Obama Administration’s Office of Health Reform within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She is a practicing emergency medicine physician at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
“This is a critically important time for public health,” said Dr. Khaldun. “It is imperative that we make sure our public health system has a strong workforce and data infrastructure, and every person receives high-quality public health services. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead such an important organization and a great team.”
Click here to read more about the New PHAB CEO Joneigh Khaldun!