615: Grad Considers DELPH Colleagues Family, New ASTHO CEO is “Nice, Kind, Caring”

ROBERT JOHNSON: 

This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Wednesday, March 6, 2024. I'm Robert Johnson. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

KEON LEWIS: 

Oh, it has helped me out tremendously just from being able to learn from so many different lived experiences, so many personalities and expertise.

JOHNSON: 

Keon Lewis talking about his experience as a recent graduate of ASTHO's Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health Program.

LEWIS: 

I have been able to pull something from literally every conversation, every intercession assignment, every convening, every monthly virtual discussion.

JOHNSON: 

Lewis is an equity and development coordinator in North Carolina. He says it sometimes was a challenge to navigate schedules during the 10 month program, but adds it was worth it. Given how much the cohort learned and grew together.

LEWIS: 

One of the most tremendous aspects to see is how much we've changed as individuals by being a part of this program and how much we've grown, how much people have come out of their shells, and just become great individuals, let alone greater leaders.

JOHNSON: 

About his fellow program graduates, Lewis considers them family.

LEWIS: 

So, they are an intricate part. They are forever stuck with me. We're family now. And I'm just looking forward to continue to grow in my professional and social space and having them there to support me.

JOHNSON: 

A new cohort of diverse executives is meeting now learn more about the DELPH experience and check out all three editions of the program's digital magazine using the links in the show notes.

Dr. Joseph Kanter is ASTHO's new CEO. The announcement coming Monday afternoon from ASTHO president and Kentucky Health Commissioner, Dr. Steven Stack.

STEVEN STACK: 

Dr. Kanter and my experience of working with him as a fellow SHO these past four years. And having gone through this interview process with him is a: kind, courteous, humble, really inspiringly bright, and highly talented individual who I think is going to bring to this role, a certain sense of gravitas that is grounded in a really nice kind caring package.

JOHNSON: 

Kanter begins the job in early April, but already is feeling the excitement of this new opportunity.

JOSEPH KANTER: 

I'm so thrilled to join a team of professionals who show up every day, committed to making the lives of their community and that their fellow citizens and residents better, so committed to ensuring that people can live in a state of optimal health. So, I'm the fortunate one. I'm joining this team that has already been built that is performing at the top of their game, and I'm just so very excited for the road ahead.

JOHNSON: 

ASTHO shares more information about Kanter's appointment in a news release. The link is in the show notes.

Also today, ASTHO has several open positions. Among them, the organization is hiring a chief financial officer. You can get more information about this and other ASTHO job listings using the link in the show notes.

Finally, this morning, ASTHO produces several email newsletters, all written to keep you at the top of your public health game. You can get regular emails with public health news, legislative updates, news releases and more. Sign up by clicking the link in the show notes.

Before we go a reminder also to follow this newscast on your podcast player and connect with ASTHO on social media. We are on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

That'll do it for today. We are back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information. I'm Robert Johnson. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.