Chair's Campaign

I am Maria Jackson, Care and Services Manager at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and NASTAD’s 2026-2027 Board Chair.  

I am elated to announce my Chair’s Campaign, “Lead, Lift, and Let ,Go: Cultivating Community Centered Public Health Leaders”, which calls on NASTAD members to mentor the next generation of public health leaders and guide them into a public health space that centers communities and vulnerable populations.

Our first obligation is to the clients we serve. To meet this obligation, first we must invest in ourselves so we can support and uplift vulnerable populations. We can do this by filling our own cup to prevent burnout and fatigue. 

I challenge us to commit to progress and excellence by empowering bold leadership, embracing purposeful collaboration, and removing barriers to success.  

We are at a time when it is critical for us to support public health professionals, and the next generation of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and syndemic leaders. My Chair’s Campaign will galvanize NASTAD and its membership around the following core actions—Lead with vision and courage, lift with intention and integrity, and let go by stepping aside when necessary to let others lead.  As we center our clients in everything we do, we must not only ensure staff and leadership reflect the communities we serve, but we are actively building future leaders to carry forward the fight to end the HIV, hepatitis, and intersecting epidemics. 

Lead through the storm - Take bold informed action that protects the systems we have built, advances NASTAD’s mission, and inspires innovation. We are all leaders in our health departments and in our communities. Over the next year, I encourage NASTAD members to reflect on their role as leaders, to find time to pursue professional development activities, and to focus on two key components of public health leadership: mentorship and centering clients. 

Lift with intention - This requires a commitment to identify, mentor, and empower emerging leaders who will carry the torch to end the epidemics. The campaign will focus on encouraging current public health leaders to provide insight, guidance, and knowledge to the next generation of leaders so they will have the tools they need to end the epidemics.   

NASTAD’s Minority Leadership Program (MLP) is a space for public health leaders of color to strengthen their leadership skills while gaining practical tools to pursue career advancement, navigate systemic barriers, manage burnout, and effectively communicate with impact. 

Let go - Sharing power will sustain the work beyond ourselves.  

This Chair’s Campaign will also encourage current public health leaders to step back and let the next generation lead public health into the future. We have all spent meaningful time engaging in conversations around relinquishing power and developing succession plans.  

Now it’s time to put those discussions into action by creating and committing to those plans. I am calling on all of us as public health leaders to trust the next generation and be confident in their ability to provide innovative and equitable approaches to ending the epidemics. I am challenging you to no longer ask others to dim their light but to spark a fire that ignites their flame allowing them to shine. 

Call to Action 

Over the next year, I will call on NASTAD members to embed professional development and growth in everyday work, setting clear expectations for continuous improvement and intentionally creating space for others to step in. As leaders we must be willing to allow staff to take on new responsibilities, while offering guidance and support. Growth happens when individuals are allowed to learn from their mistakes. Let’s cultivate an environment of growth, learning, and opportunity for the next generation of public health professionals at NASTAD and beyond. 

I look forward to sharing more with you in this space over the next twelve months as we work to advance the goals of Lead, Lift, and Let Go: Cultivating Community Centered Public Health Leaders.