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Minnesota Public Health Association

Since 1907, MPHA has been dedicated to creating a healthier Minnesota through effective public health practice and engaged citizens. 

STAFF 

Merry Grande
Executive Director

Contact: info@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @merrygrandemph

Leika Pierre-Louis
Communications Manager

Contact: info@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @leika-pierre-louis

GOVERNING COUNCIL

MPHA Governing Council is made up of six elected officers, six elected at‑large members, one member from each of the four standing committees, and two student representatives. Any individual member, student/retired or sustaining member may hold office or serve as a member of the Governing Council.

Members of the Governing Council are constant ambassadors and proponents of MPHA. They ensure that the mission and vision of the organization moves forward through leadership and service.

2025 - 2026 Officers

Tyler Pyle, MPH, DrPH(c)
President

Contact: president@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @tylerpyle

Melanie Ferris
President-Elect

Contact: info@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @melanie-l-ferris

Kristin Moore
Immediate Past President


Contact: info@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @kristinvoltzke

Tarissa Host
Secretary

Contact: secretary@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @thost1

Cherylee Sherry
Treasurer

Contact: info@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @cheryleesherry

Annie Halland
Affiliate Representative to the Governing Council

Contact: argc@mpha.net
LinkedIn: @andreahalland

at-Large Members

Aleathea Anderson
Member-at-Large, Greater MN

LinkedIn: @aleathea-anderson

Evett Ellis
Member-at-Large, Greater MN

LinkedIn: @evett-ellis

Nancy Franke Wilson
Member-at-Large

LinkedIn: @nancyfrankewilson

Susi Keefe, PhD
Member-at-Large

LinkedIn: @susikeefe

Tolu Oyelowo
Member-at-Large


LinkedIn: @toluoyelowo

Jakesa Thompson
Member-at-Large

LinkedIn: @jakesathompson

Student Representatives


Tyler Beck

My name is Tyler Beck (he/him). I am currently enrolled in the St. Catherine Global Health Masters of Public Health School and will graduate in 2026! I am thrilled to be a MPHA Student Representative, participate in the governing council events for the upcoming year, and promote MPHA activities in my community! I look forward to this experience and am honored to represent St. Catherine University.


Ubah Omar

My name is Ubah Omar (she/her). I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health at St Catherine University, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. I am excited to serve as an MPHA Student Representative because it provides a very unique opportunity to be able to connect with public health professionals and peers while amplifying student voices to contributing to impactful community initiatives. This will also help enrich my passion for fostering collaboration and advancing equity in the public health.


Andrea Smith

Andrea Smith (she/her) is a passionate advocate for health equity and maternal and child health. As a Master of Public Health student in the Maternal and Child Health Program at the University of Minnesota, she serves as the Reproductive Justice Research Assistant for the Center for Leadership Education in Maternal and Child Public Health. Andrea brings extensive experience in community-led health initiatives, particularly for African American communities in the Twin Cities. In her role as the MPHA Student Representative, she is eager to drive policy and advocacy efforts while inspiring the next generation to engage in advancing health equity for all mothers and children.

Learn about our Committee Chairs on their Committee Pages

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A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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