June 16, 2025

NACCHO's Podcast from Washington: Outgoing NACCHO Board President Dr. Michael Kilkenny Reflects on Leadership and Importance of Unity and Empathy in Public Health

15 minutes

Washington, DC, June 16, 2025 — On this month's podcast episode, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) speakers discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) President's Budget Request to Congress, including the Administration's vision for a new department entitled the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). For more details and updates on the impact of the President's budget request on local public health, please visit our blog. For weekly updates, subscribe to NACCHO's News from Washington newsletter: www.naccho.org/advocacy/news.

Later in the program (8:44), Dr. Michael Kilkenny, NACCHO Board President and Chief Executive Officer and Health Officer for Cabell-Huntington Health Department, reflects on his tenure as Board President and offers guidance on shaping the future of public health as he prepares to transition to the Immediate Past President role at the end of this month.

Dr. Kilkenny credits the dedication of the board of directors and staff for contributing to key successes during his tenure, including the largest attendance at NACCHO360 and the Preparedness Summit, strong participation within NACCHO workgroups, and the board staying committed and even more united during challenging times. Dr. Kilkenny calls for local health departments to maintain their unity of purpose and continue leading with empathy and love.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

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