Newsmakers: June 2021

Jacob named director

APHA member Claude Jacob, MPH, in April was selected as director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Jacob previously served as the chief public health officer at Cambridge Public Health Department, a position he held for 14 years. Jacob will officially start in the new role on July 6.

McLeroy posthumously honored

Kenneth McLeroy, PhD, in April was posthumously recognized with the Society for Public Health Education Distinguished Fellow Award. McLeroy, an APHA member and contributor to APHA’s American Journal of Public Health, was recognized for his significant and lasting contributions to public health and health education.

Liller joins leadership team

APHA member Karen Liller, PhD, in March assumed a leadership role at the University of Southern Florida’s new Center for Justice Research and Policy. Liller, an expert in injury prevention, was selected for the center’s leadership for her extensive research and advocacy on gun violence prevention. The center, formed in January, promotes policy and actions that create safer communities and reduces crime and incarceration.

Rutledge named dean

Scott Rutledge, PhD, in March was named dean of the College of Health at Ball State University. Rutledge was previously the associate dean for facility affairs for the College of Public Health at Temple University. His term will begin on July 1.

Frankt named editor-in-chief

In January, Austin Frankt, PhD, was named editor-in-chief of Health Services Research, the journal of AcademyHealth. Frankt is a research professor of health law, policy and management at Boston University School of Public Health.

Amosun named assistant commissioner

Tobi Adeyeye Amosun, MD, FAAP, in March was named assistant commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health Division of Family Health and Wellness. Amosun, previously a pediatrician, will promote family health by leading services that include early childhood programs and the state’s Women, Infants and Children nutrition program.

APHA welcomes new staff

APHA has added several new members to its staff. Evelyn Maldonado is program manager for climate, health and equity; Angela McGowan, JD, MPH, is senior director for the Alliance for Disease Prevention and Response; Holly Plackemeier is Affiliate manager; C. Pluff, MA, is program manager for the Center for School, Health and Education; and Edward Shipley is exhibits manager within the Convention Services Department.

Lindsay Syms contributed to this article.