On the final episode of the first season of AIMing to Inform, hear from Immediate Past AIM Chair and Connecticut Immunization Program Manager, Kathy Kudish. This motivational leader shares her keys to managing a successful immunization program through a pandemic and beyond. Kathy also discusses how she juggles her double duties as a Public Health Veterinarian, leads dynamic teams, and manages burnout.

About Kathy

Kathy Kudish is a veterinarian by training, but her goal was always to work in public health rather than clinical practice, because she believes public health to be more impactful. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in public health at Tulane, and a veterinary degree at LSU, followed by two years of full-time emergency practice, she went to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Epidemic Intelligence (EIS) Officer in 2004. A pertussis outbreak among the Amish during her EIS training piqued her interest in vaccine preventable disease.

In 2006 she joined the Connecticut Department of Public Health to work in the Immunization Program, and she has made it her home. Kathy has been working in immunizations for the past 17 years. Initially she worked as an epidemiologist and the vaccine preventable disease surveillance unit supervisor until she became the Immunization Program Manager in 2016.  Kathy served as Chair of the AIM in 2022.

Links: 

Connecticut Department of Public Health Website

Connecticut Department of Public Health Twitter

Learn how immunization managers best leverage their immunization information systems (IIS) to improve vaccination rates. In this episode, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Director and Assistant Section Chief of Disease Control Molly Howell and AIM Data Project Manager Kristy Westfall share insight into their successes with IIS. Making use of IIS data is one of the best ways to streamline program operations, pinpoint vaccine deserts, and guide real-time decisions for all vaccines and age groups. Tune in for  resourceful ideas on how to use your state’s IIS.

About Molly:

Molly Howell is currently the Immunization Director and Assistant Section Chief of Disease Control at the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDDoH). Molly has worked in the field of immunization for the past 19 years. As Immunization Director, she oversees the implementation of immunization policies and activities in North Dakota, including evidence-based activities to increase immunization coverage rates, healthcare provider education, surveillance, and implementation of the North Dakota Immunization Information System (NDIIS). Molly has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.

Molly is an active member of the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) and previously served as Chair of the organization. She is currently a member of the executive committee and AIM's liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. In January 2020, Molly was appointed to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee.

She has previously published immunization and infectious disease-related articles in Public Health Reports, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, and the New England Journal of Medicine.

About Kristy Westfall: 

As Data Project Manager, Kristy supports AIM members in immunization information systems  and data exchange. Prior to joining AIM, she worked with the Wyoming Department of Health Immunization Unit for eight years in various roles, including as the VFC Coordinator and the IIS Manager. Kristy is a Certified Public Manager and earned associate degrees in Computer Networking Systems and Business Administration. She has worked in public health for over 13 years.

Links: 

North Dakota Health & Human Services

Association of Immunization Managers

NDHHS Twitter

In this episode of AIMing to Inform, Utah Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Director Rich Lakin shares his unique perspective on immunization work in his home state. Hear about his strategy to confront misinformation and increase COVID-19 vaccination in low-uptake areas. Rich also shares his perspective on developing compelling messages for all age groups. Make time to listen to this seasoned immunization advocate!

About Rich: 

Rich Lakin has worked in public health for 26 years. He has held positions at the local health department in injury prevention, tobacco prevention, emergency preparedness, and as a public information officer. Rich currently works the as the Immunization Director at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, he has held several positions, from Disease Investigation and Management Manager to Epidemiologist. Rich holds a Master's degree in public administration and a Master of Science degree in public health.

Links: 

Immunize Utah Website

Twitter

Wisconsin's Immunization Program Manager, Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D., guides her department to success with her knowledge and clear, decisive energy. She shares her strategy to increase vaccination rates across the state of Wisconsin through building partnerships with over 100 community-based organizations. In this episode of AIMing to Inform, get tips on team management, avoiding burnout, and so much more.

About Stephanie

Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D. is the Director for the State of Wisconsin Immunization Program.  Stephanie received her Ph.D. in Microbiology/Immunology from Boston University and first worked for the Massachusetts Immunization Program and subsequently joined the Wisconsin Immunization Program in a move back to the Midwest. She became the Wisconsin director in 2015 and has been part of the AIM Executive Board since 2018. Additionally, she has co-led the Executive Steering Committee of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) Consortium since 2019. Her particular interests include ensuring a  and modern IIS, the use of data to inform programmatic direction and a love of puns, often shared with staff.

Links: 

WEBSITE: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/index.htm

TWITTER: @dhswi

Listen to seasoned immunization pro, Dave McCormick, who serves as the director of the Immunization Division at the Indiana State Department of Health. Dave shares heartwarming stories of the impact public health has had on the people in his state. Learn how he has worked to reframe vaccine catch-up with new messages and vaccine touchpoints in this episode of AIMing to Inform.

About Dave: 

Dave McCormick is the director of the Indiana Immunization Division at the Indiana State Department of Health. In this role, Dave leads a team of public health professionals committed to eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases. His department works with approximately 900 health care providers to deliver over $80 million of a publicly funded vaccine. In July 2015, Dave was elected to the executive board of the Association of Immunization Managers. Dave has worked in public health for the past 28 years. Before joining the Indiana Immunization Program in January 2012, Dave spent five years working on lead and healthy-homes issues at the state level, including lead poisoning prevention and radon, and lead certification, enforcement, and remediation through grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In November 2009, Dave was appointed to CDC's Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. Dave and his college sweetheart have been married for 27 years and have two sons.

Links: 

WEBSITE: https://www.in.gov/health/immunization/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/statehealthin

In this episode, hear from the dynamic Heather Burris, Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). As the "new kid on the block," Heather shares her learnings and challenges from her freshman year of being an immunization manager. With a clear focus on equity, partnerships, and leading with kindness, Heather discusses how she plans to use the technology and processes gained during COVID for all immunizations.

About Heather:

Heather Burris is the Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). Heather joined DC Health in 2017 as the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Manager, a role she served for three years. Because of her oversight of VFC provider enrollment and vaccine management, Heather was asked to lead the COVID-19 Vaccine Planning and Distribution Team for the Immunization Division. Since the fall of 2021, Heather has led the Division as Chief, overseeing immunization operations, data management, onboarding of a new immunization information system, and surveillance of COVID-19 breakthrough and vaccine-preventable diseases. Before joining DC Health, Heather spent nine years as a Clinical Site Manager at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program. Her expertise includes vaccine operations, program management, and clinical research administration of infectious diseases. In addition, she is mission-focused on health equity and ensuring vulnerable residents or those hard-to-reach community members have access to immunizations. A champion for Black women, particularly Black girls, Heather also authored Hair Like Me, a children's story about beauty and confidence inspired by her daughter. She is a graduate of Howard University and Emory University. She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband and two children.

Links

WEBSITE: https://dchealth.dc.gov

TWITTER:

• Work: @_DCHealth
• Personal: @heatherhburris

Learn from Matthew Bobo, MPH, the Immunization Program Manager in Alaska, about the unique challenges of his state's landscape. From making vaccines accessible in remote locations to building meaningful relationships with the Tribal system, Matt shares what it takes to keep his state safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. Make sure to tune in for this a-MOOSE-ing episode for tips on navigating a demanding vaccine environment and advice to keep you sane as a new immunization manager.

This episode was recorded in July 2022.  In August 2022, Matt resigned from the Immunization Program in Alaska. We're grateful to have Matt's wisdom and insight and wish him the best of luck!

About Matt: 

Matthew Bobo, MPH, has worked in public health for over 15 years. Matt has been the Alaska Immunization Program Manager for five years and was the Deputy Program Manager for three years. Before working in immunizations, Matt was an epidemiologist for Alaska's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. In addition, Matt has worked in Indonesia (mental health research) and rural China (HIV research). Matt received his MPH from Boston University in Global Health and has a BA in pre-medicine/English Literature from Auburn University.

Links: 

Alaska Department of Public Health

Resources:

• CDC Public Health Advisors - https://www.cdc.gov/phap/about/index.html
• COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a7e8be4adbe740a1bad1393894ee4075/
• Reasons To Get Vaccinated https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/getvaccinated.aspx
• COVID-19 Vaccine Resources For Providers https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/vaccineproviders.aspx
• ECHOs https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/echo.aspx

As Executive Director, Claire Hannan has helmed the Association of Immunization Managers since 2004. In this episode, hear why 2022 was the right time to launch the "AIMing to Inform" podcast and what she hopes you get from this new series. Join us to listen to this adept leader who balances it all with passion, curiosity, and a regular running routine.

*** About Claire ***

Claire Hannan has served in her position at AIM since 2004. Claire has 18 years of experience in children’s health and immunization. After working on Capitol Hill for 5 years, Claire spent 3 years lobbying for children’s health issues. In 1997, she became the Director of Immunization Policy for the Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), where she worked with state health officials, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other partners to improve and enhance immunization policies and practices. She joined the Association of Immunization Managers as its first Executive Director in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.