Minnesota Public Health Association
Since 1907, MPHA has been dedicated to creating a healthier Minnesota through effective public health practice and engaged citizens.
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- About MPHA
- Leadership
STAFF
 | Executive Director, Merry GrandeWhy did you join MPHA? I joined MPHA after finishing graduate school when I moved back to Minnesota. After a career change and living away for several years, I wanted to get connected to the public health community here. My first MPHA event was a Policy Forum in 2012. I've appreciated calling MPHA my public health home ever since then! What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? I'm excited about the professional development and advocacy opportunities we plan with our partners. We have exciting strategic planning on the horizon, including deeper connections with rural health partners. The APHA President will speak at our spring 2024 conference (and APHA, the national conference, is being held in Minneapolis Oct. 2024!). |
 | Communications Manager, Leika Pierre-LouisWhy did you join MPHA? After moving to Minnesota 2 years ago, I decided to get involved in the community as much as possible and that started with a career change. I have spent the last 2 years working with the unsheltered community and through that I have met so many amazing individuals that have a heart for that population and a passion to see their community thrive. I share that same desire, so I am always looking for more opportunities to grow and equip myself so that I can be a resource for those around me. I am excited about this new opportunity and looking forward to learning more about MPHA and the work that is being done. What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? I most excited about MPHA's conference. It will be my first one and so I am looking forward to connect with those who will attend and participate in the sessions that will take place. |
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. |
| President, Kristin MooreWhat is your favorite thing about Minnesota? I was away from Minnesota for about 5 years and I was most surprised that I missed getting to experience all four seasons. But my absolute favorite thing about Minnesota is that my family is here. |
 | Immediate Past President, Antonia WilcoxonWhat are you most looking forward to this year with MPHA? As immediate past president, I want to support our association as it envisions the future of public health in MN. I am looking forward to learning from the members about their hopes, wishes, and dreams for MPHA in the future. We are embarking on our strategic planning, and I am excited and hopeful about it. What is your favorite thing about Minnesota? The four seasons bring so much meaning to the rhythms of our lives.
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 | President-Elect, Tyler Pyle, MPH, DrPH(c) |
| Secretary, Tarissa HostWhy did you join MPHA? I joined MPHA because of the collaborative environment, uniting professionals at all levels to collectively work towards addressing the public health challenges directly affecting Minnesota communities. What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? In the upcoming year at MPHA, I'm looking forward to collaborating on health equity initiatives. Drawing from my personal background of growing up in a rural farming community in Minnesota, I am eager to contribute to expanding MPHA's network and promote the health and well-being of our communities. |
| Treasurer, Cherylee Sherry |
| Affiliate Representative to the Governing Council, Annie HallandWhy did you join MPHA? To work with “my people” to make Minnesota a healthier place for all. What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? Learning and growing as take on this new role to be the representative for Minnesota at APHA and the Great Lakes Coalition. What is your favorite thing about Minnesota? Our vibrant cultures and natural resources. |
| Member-at-Large, Evett EllisWhy did you join MPHA? I was introduced to the association by a colleague and I saw the wonderful work that has been done as a result of the collective body, and wanted to utilize my 3 cents to work towards making a difference bring a real life perspective from the BIPOC community. What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? Hands down the next MPHA conference is what I’m most excited about being apart of to help come up with exciting material and allowing great minds come together to problem solve and see what MPHA is doing for community in regards to the connection to public health. |
| Member-at-Large, Dr. Susi KeefeWhy did you join MPHA? I have long been a fan of the work and leadership of MPHA and wanted a chance to contribute beyond being a member connecting my new role at St. Kate's to some of MPHA's goals of reaching new, young, and diverse members. What are you most looking forward to this year with MPHA? I was really looking forward to APHA -- and what an incredible experience it was! I am looking forward to in person opportunities to support our community.What is your favorite thing about Minnesota? I'm a transplant to MN -- I'm a first generation American, born and raised in Oregon to a German immigrant mom and completed all of my higher education in New England and my dissertation research in Tanzania -- my favorite thing about Minnesota (do I really just have to pick one?) is the incredible and vibrant immigrant communities in our state. |
| Member-at-Large, Connie Norman |
| Member-at-Large, Tolu OyelowoWhy did you join MPHA? To be a part of an organization working for choice and access in health care. What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? Exploring how to impact health issues that are both local and global. What is your favorite thing about Minnesota? The changing seasons. |
 | Member-at-Large, Jakesa ThompsonWhy did you join MPHA? I joined MPHA after being inspired by a colleague and member of MPHA. She consistently shared the engaging and impactful work that MPHA was and is doing, which prompted me to do my own research. I felt the urge to join after learning of the mission and vision of MPHA; to be an active voice for public health in Minnesota, creating a healthier place for us to live. Community health is near to my heart, and MPHA recognizes and champions that. What are you most looking forward to in the next year for MPHA? I'm most looking forward to MPHA growing in membership and having a wider footprint in Minnesota. MPHA is already doing such impactful work in policy and health equity. I'm so excited to be a part of an organization that focuses on community health and making tangible results in the community we live in. |
| Member-at-Large, Nancy Franke WilsonWhy did you join MPHA? I joined MPHA a very long time ago when I started my first professional job. While work was indeed public health, my co-workers came from a variety of backgrounds. MPHA allowed me to be connected to public health professionals and have my own public health community.What are you most looking forward to in this year for MPHA? MPHA has been incredibly responsive to learning and networking opportunities. I am most looking forward to meeting new public health colleagues and reconnected with public health colleagues and friends I haven’t seen since before the pandemic. What is your favorite thing about Minnesota? I love Minnesotans, the changing of the seasons and our overall commitment to each other. |
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. |
