Biography

After an initial year as a clinical instructor in OB and Pediatrics at USC, I worked for several years in small community hospitals, broad generalized nursing practice, but with a lot of experience in labor and delivery. I began my career in public health in 1970 by organizing and operating a home health services program in three SC counties. I spent about the first third of my 32-year public health career in home care and community services for the elderly. The second third I spent in public health nursing administration as the State Director of Public Health Nursing and Assistant Commissioner for the SC Department of Health & Environmental Control. My administration years also included a staff position to the Commissioner organizing and developing the agency's quality assurance and management development activities. The final third of my career was in the environmental protection deputy area as Director of Risk Communication and Community Liaison. I was the contact person for individual and community concerns about the environment and how it might be affecting their health. Professional activities and honors include: Order of the Palmetto from the Governor of SC WK Kellogg Foundation Fellowship, Community Leadership Development Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. President of the Association of State and Territorial Nursing Directors and ASTDN Award of Merit APHA PHN Section Lillian Wald Award and Margaret Arnstein Award APHA Science Board member President of SC Public Health Association. University of South Carolina Nurse Alumna of the Year Institute of Medicine Study Committee on The Future of Public Health Institute of Medicine Study Committee Chair and Co-Editor Nursing, Health & Environment USC Public Health Preparedness Project Advisory Committee Luminary Project Guiding Light – environmental roles for nurses Board member of Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) In retirement: United Way Community Impact Award Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and Chapin Citizen of the Year Chapin 2016 subcommittee chair, Bennington Court Connector, Southern Connector, Town Center Park Dutch Fork Choral Society President League of Women Voters Board member and Transportation Chair Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority Board Secretary/Treasurer Palmetto Senior Care (PACE) Board member Richland County Transportation Study Committee member CMCOG Rail Advisory Committee Chapin United Methodist Church – adult class Sunday school teacher, choir member Just for fun: tennis, kayaking, singing, traveling, and my twelve grandchildren!