Exciting Leadership Change at PHAB
In a significant move for public health leadership, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has welcomed Joneigh S. Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP, as its new President and CEO. Dr. Khaldun's extensive background in public health and her dynamic leadership are set to guide the organization as it navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Dr. Khaldun's Impressive Background
Dr. Khaldun has held several prestigious positions in her career, most recently working as the Chief Health Equity Officer at CVS Health. In this role, she championed initiatives aimed at improving health equity, enhancing the collection and use of demographic data, and expanding access to essential health services. Her leadership was pivotal in launching disparity reduction programs and strengthening accreditation efforts.
Diverse Experience in Public Health
Previously, Dr. Khaldun also served as Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, where she played a crucial role in overseeing five state agencies. Her contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly notable, as she was a key strategist for Michigan’s response and was selected for the Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
Reactions to Dr. Khaldun's Appointment
The news of Dr. Khaldun's appointment has been met with enthusiasm. Dr. Claude A. Jacob, Chair of the Board of Directors at PHAB, expressed how excited the board is to welcome such a knowledgeable and committed leader. He highlighted Dr. Khaldun's vision for public health advancement and her capability to lead the talented team at PHAB.
Acknowledgments from Colleagues
Dr. Joshua Sharfstein from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health praised Dr. Khaldun for her extensive experience and for her ability to build coalitions among health departments. He anticipates great advancements in public health under her stewardship and looks forward to her contributions.
Commitment to Public Health Improvement
In her acceptance, Dr. Khaldun emphasized the critical importance of strengthening the public health system. She called for a robust workforce and enhanced data infrastructure, ensuring that everyone receives high-quality public health services. She sees this new role as a tremendous opportunity and is eager to lead the organization toward significant impacts in the public health landscape.
What PHAB Stands For
Founded as a 501(c)(3) organization, PHAB plays a vital role as the national accrediting body for public health in the United States. It works diligently to empower health departments to better serve their communities through an array of resources and tools. PHAB is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of health departments, enhancing the workforce, and modernizing data systems to foster transformation in public health.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Khaldun steps into her new role, she is determined to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor. Under her leadership, the board and the public health community are optimistic about achieving new milestones that will elevate public health standards across the nation. With her passion and commitment, Dr. Khaldun is poised to make a profound impact at PHAB and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joneigh Khaldun?
Joneigh Khaldun is a public health leader with extensive experience, recently appointed as the President and CEO of the Public Health Accreditation Board.
What roles has Joneigh Khaldun held before PHAB?
Prior to her role at PHAB, Dr. Khaldun served as Chief Health Equity Officer at CVS Health and as Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive.
Why is Dr. Khaldun's appointment significant?
Her appointment is significant due to her wealth of experience and her commitment to advancing public health and health equity.
What is PHAB's mission?
The Public Health Accreditation Board is dedicated to improving and transforming public health practices across the U.S. through accreditation and support for health departments.
What are Dr. Khaldun's priorities as the new CEO?
She aims to strengthen the public health workforce and ensure high-quality services are accessible to everyone, while fostering a data-driven approach to public health.
