Public Health Specialist

James W. Gbala, MS, MPH, PhD

*** ***** ****** ****, ***** Saint Paul, MN.55075 770-***-****

********@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/JWG

Dynamic leader and educator, dedicated to applying knowledge of public health to teach the next generation while advocating for change. Champion for vulnerable and diverse populations, assisting low-income, minority, refugee, and immigrant populations to achieve public health and learning goals. Skilled manager applying business acumen to manage financial solvency with development of programs that help meet community needs. Research expert specializing in guiding research efforts to efficiently meet organizational objectives building strategic insights through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Articulate communicator, building relationships with students, staff, and the community to champion organizational goals.

Education and Credentials

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Public Health in Community and Epidemiology, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, 2016

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (Mental Health), University of Wisconsin - Stout, Menomonee, WI

Thesis: “The Effect of War Trauma on Refugee Populations in Resettled Countries: The Study of War Trauma in Liberian Refugee Populations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN.”

Bachelor of Arts in Executive Management, Health, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA

Public Health Career Development Participation Certification, University of Minnesota

Certifications

Certificate of Leadership Development, Public Health Leadership In-Service Training – University of MN

Professional Development

Financial Management/Collaboration Training - Amherst H. Wilder Foundation Organization and Development Training – Mutual Assistance Association, MN Department of Human Services Public Health / Community Leadership In-Service Training – University of Minnesota Grantsmanship Training Program – The Grantsmanship Center Tobacco and Youth Risk Behavior Prevention Training – MN Department of Health Nonprofit Financial Management Training – Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Minnesota Health Disparity Initiative and Reform – MN Department of Health Advocacy and Strategic Use of Media Training – MN Department of Health

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SPSS

Residency

Public Health Residency, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, 2009

Professional Academic Experience

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, MONROVIA, MONSERADO

Health Policy/Management: Program Director, School of Public Health, 2018 to 2020

Orchestrate program success delivering high-quality education in compliance with organizational goals. Develop engaging lesson plans to meet students’ various learning styles with a variety of educational activities. Maintain alignment with industry standards, updating curriculum and syllabi to address industry changes. Deliver excellent learning opportunities, supervising faculty to ensure compliance with program objectives. Aid students in meeting curriculum goals, offering personalized tutoring to special groups, such as those focused on diversity, disability, mental health, or student representation).

Coordinate the development of high-functioning students prepared for the professional world, by teaching, testing, and overseeing thesis-defense to assess their knowledge of Public Health competencies.

Facilitated achievement of organizational research objectives, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of Health Science research trends and advancements to establish and update research policies and organizational priorities.

TUBMAN UNIVERSITY, Harper, Maryland, Republic of Liberia

Associate Professor - Epidemiology, 2016 to 2018

Ensured students met organizational and program goals by planning and delivering lessons on epidemiology topics and assessing student learning and understanding. Advocated for vulnerable groups, providing personal mentoring and tutoring for disadvantaged groups. Reviewed industry advancements and best practices to champion changes that maintain an up-to-date education. Cultivated relationships with external and international organizations, securing support for university funding, supplies, and developmental activities.

Streamlined delivery of high-quality educational activities, developing curriculum and related syllabi and setting goals to revamp the program

Additional Professional Experience

Rose International Inc.

Public Health Specialist, 2001 to present

COV-19 project assignment with Minnesota Department of Health, Twin Cities, MN. Collecting and summarizing and disseminating epidemiologic data, investigation and initiating COVID-19 control measure. Collecting and maintaining patient-specific laboratory data, and managing such data in paper and electronic databases. Supporting the maintenance of the MEDSS system to track the treatment status of infected individuals. Work under the direction of Senior Epidemiologist to conduct infectious case investigations and contact tracing of COVID-19 disease.

VARIOUS EMPLOYERS, Twin Cities, MN

Consultant and Volunteer Services, 2000 to Present

Fostered strategic insights to consult on evidence-based decision making by executive leadership, government agencies, and funding sources, analyzing and interpreting state and federally collected data on program and service performance. Advocated for low-income students, collaborating with schools, teachers, and families to optimize learning opportunities and attendance while improving academic performance. Formed, planned, and development nonprofit start up, securing required permits and state and federal documents.

HOPE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, St. Paul, MN

Executive Director, 2005 to 2013

Met community goals while upholding the organizational mission’s integrity, commanding strategic leadership across financial and administrative operations while developing physical and mental health programs. Adhered to the organizational mission and long-term strategic vision, heading project management from defining objectives to prioritizing steps, overseeing implementation, and assessing outcomes. Improved community health through continuous dedication to community-based programs, applying state and public health laws, regulations, and policies to decision-making and program activities.

Fundraised more than $2M over five years, overseeing grants end-to-end, from identifying opportunities to writing proposals, managing budgetary funds, and maintaining compliance with grant requirements.

Championed diverse communities, advocating for the population as a leader and advisor at community and government meetings, and resolving conflicts to cultivate support.

Developed and directed the delivery of services including mental health, chronic disease prevention, and HIV services to benefit diverse ethnic groups in the community; assuring high quality and efficiency.

Oversaw and coordinated the preparation of all grant applications and proposals to funding sources, monitored the implementation and expenditures of grants, and prepares grant reports for presentation to the Board of Directors.

Work independently and collaboratively with staff to direct, develop, manage and implement activities in the following areas: public health programming, community-based technical assistance; research and evaluation; resource development, grant and contract management and report writing

Additional Experience: Social Services for the Wilder Foundation, Job First and Family Services for Reuben Lindh Social Services.

Research Project

WALDEN UNIVERSITY, Minneapolis, MN

Dissertation Research, 2013 to 2015

Assessed quantitative and qualitative data utilizing mixed methods to develop insights on health disparities in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology among minority populations, such as immigrants and refugees.

Presentations

Hearth Disparity Outcome in HIV Prevention/Treatment Among People of Color in Minnesota, Hope International health and Social Services, Inc., Twin Cities, 2010

HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR, Brooklyn Park, MN, 2004.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES/DANCES FOR TOBACCO PREVENTION IN AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AFRICAN YOUTH, Twin Cities, MN2002

Awards

Certificate of Recognition, Aiding Children and Families to Prevent Abuse – MN Department of Health (2003)

$145,000 Grant, Healthcare Needs Assessment for Refugees and Immigrants in the Twin Cities – MN Department of Health (2003)

Certificate of Recognition, Aiding Children and Youth on Tobacco Prevention – MN Department of Health (2003)

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