Dr. Southerland Selected as Culture of Health Leader

Jodi Southerland, Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Community Health as well as alumna of the Doctor of Public Health program in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, has been selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader.

Designed for people from all fields—from technology and business to architecture and urban planning—Culture of Health Leaders foster cross-sector collaboration and supports leaders in their continued growth and development as agents of change for equity and health. Together, they learn new ways of thinking and leading, expanding their perspectives and accelerating their impact.

As a member of the program’s newest cohort, Dr. Southerland will bring her background in the social determinants of health, rural health disparities, and community-based program development to collaborations with leaders from diverse disciplines.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leaders are chosen annually in a national competition for leaders working in every field and profession who want to use their influence to advance health and equity.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to learn innovative collaborative leadership strategies that I can share with my community while also using my public health skills and academic training to serve rural Appalachia,” Dr. Southerland said. “I am committed to building a culture of health in rural communities and am passionate about creating opportunities for community members to be central players in creating healthier homes, workplaces, and communities.

Over the course of the three-year program, Dr. Southerland will join others from across the U.S. to participate in leadership development training, mentorship, and networking that will equip her to implement a strategic Culture of Health initiative in her third year of the program.

While participating in the program, Southerland will continue working as the Communication and Development Writer at Of One Accord Inc, applying new knowledge and leadership in rural Appalachian Tennessee.

Dr. Southerland continued, “Participation in the Culture of Health Leaders program will help me to become a more effective agent of change for rural, underserved communities.”

To learn more about Culture of Health Leaders and RWJF’s other leadership programs, and to meet other participants, visit https://cultureofhealth-leaders.org.