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Welcome to MPHI

We are a team of teams, process and content experts with a shared mission to advance population health through public health innovation and collaboration, working to promote health and advance well-being for all. Our broad network of partners includes academia, government, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers. These connections empower us to develop solutions to the most critical public health needs. Together, we are committed to our vision of a just world where tomorrow is healthier for all!

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MPHI is successful in improving the health of communities because of the strength of our staff. We have more than 900 employees that includes researchers, data analysts, IT professionals, project managers, and scientists trained in a broad array of health fields.

Renée Branch Canady, PhD, MPA

Renée Branch Canady, PhD, MPA

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Renée Branch Canady, CEO of MPHI, is a relationship-driven leader who advances our efforts to promote health and well-being with 30+ years working in public health. Formerly Health Officer at Ingham County Health Department, she holds a PhD from MSU, an MPA from WMU, and a BS from UNC Chapel Hill.

Christian Bethea, MBA

Christian Bethea, MBA

Chief Information Officer

Christian Bethea, CIO at MPHI, leads IT, computer systems and digital transformation efforts. Previously, he was Strategic Architecture Lead at Finastra and Sr. Director of Strategic Technologies at D+H. He holds dual degrees from MSU and an MBA from New York Institute of Technology.

May Darwish-Yassine, PhD

May Darwish-Yassine, PhD

Chief Program Officer

Dr. Darwish-Yassine, Chief Program Officer, oversees MPHI’s programs, mentors directors, and leads initiatives. With nearly 25+ years at MPHI, she specializes in chronic disease epidemiology and public health planning. She holds a PhD from the University of Michigan.

Jana Dean, CPA

Jana Dean, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Jana Dean, CFO at MPHI, leads finance, contracts, payroll, and accounting. Previously, she was Finance & Operations Audit Manager at MSU and Senior Associate at Plante & Moran. She holds an MBA and accounting degree from MSU and is a CPA and CIA.

Paul Elam, PhD

Paul Elam, PhD

Chief Strategy Officer

Dr. Elam diversifies the Institute’s portfolio on health and well-being issues. Nationally recognized for his expertise in youth violence, crime, and child maltreatment, he consults with various clients to improve lives. He holds a PhD and two degrees from MSU.

Michelle Napier-Dunnings, MFA

Michelle Napier-Dunnings, MFA

Chief Communications Officer

Michelle leads communication and facilitation advancement at the Institute. With experience in government and business, she engages a wide range of stakeholders. Formerly, she was Director of Education at MSU’s Wharton Center and Executive Director at Michigan Food & Farming Systems.

Carmen Thomas, DTL

Carmen Thomas, DTL

Chief Government Relations Officer

Dr. Carmen Thomas, MPHI’s Chief Government Relations Officer, empowers organizations to reach their potential. She integrates community, government, and nonprofits as a transformational leader and servant leadership expert. Formerly, she was a Workforce Engagement Transformation Coach at MDHHS. In addition, Carmen worked with DTMB in the Real Estate Division and was an Ambassador for previous Director John Nixon.

Heather White, MSA

Heather White, MSA

Chief Administrative Officer

Heather White, MSA, has 30+ years in HR Management, overseeing recruitment, compensation, employee development, and relations at MPHI for 28 years. She holds an MSA in Human Resources from Central Michigan University.

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MPHI’s Board of Directors consists of no fewer than 12 and no more than 17 board members. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University each appoint board representatives. In addition to these partners, at-large members represent business, media, and community-based organizations. The diverse backgrounds of Board members bring many different talents to the organization.

Elizabeth Hertel, MBA

Elizabeth Hertel, MBA

President

Director, MDHHS

James Giordano, MBA

James Giordano, MBA

Executive and Audit Committee

Retired President and CEO, CareTech Solutions, Inc.

Angulique Outlaw, PhD

Angulique Outlaw, PhD

Executive Committee

Associate Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs, Director, Pathway to Faculty Program, Wayne State University

Renée Branch Canady, PhD, MPA

Renée Branch Canady, PhD, MPA

Ex Officio

Chief Executive Officer, MPHI

Denise Anthony, PhD

Denise Anthony, PhD

Executive Committee

Chair and Professor, Department of Health Management & Policy, School of Public Health, and Professor of Sociology and in School of Information, University of Michigan

Tim Becker, CPA

Tim Becker, CPA

Board Member and Audit Committee

Chief Operating Officer, Hope Network

Denise Fair-Razo, MPH

Denise Fair-Razo, MPH

Board Member

Chief Public Health Officer City of Detroit Health Department

George Kikano, MD

George Kikano, MD

Executive Committee

Executive Director of Health Education Innovation at Northwood University

Phillip Levy, MPH, MD

Phillip Levy, MPH, MD

Board Member

Professor of Emergency Medicine, Associate Vice President of Translational Science, Wayne State University

Sarah Lyon-Callo, PhD, MS

Sarah Lyon-Callo, PhD, MS

Board Member

Senior Deputy Director, Public Health Administration, Michigan Department of Health and Human Service

Sarah Mayberry, MPH

Sarah Mayberry, MPH

Board Member

Senior Special Projects Producer, WDIV-TV

Laura Power, MD, MPH

Laura Power, MD, MPH

Board Member

Director, Office of Public Health Practice, Clinical Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Clinical Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, University of Michigan

Adenike Shoynika, MD, MPH

Adenike Shoynika, MD, MPH

Board Member

Health Officer/Medical Director, Ingham County Health Department

Thomas Stallworth

Thomas Stallworth

Board Member and Audit Committee

Senior Advisor, Legislative and External Affairs, State of Michigan Office of the Governor

David Spivey, MBA, MHSA

David Spivey, MBA, MHSA

Board Member

President, Senior Health Care Executive (retired), Trinity Health Michigan

Articles of Incorporation CloseMPHI LeadershipBoard of Directors

Our Core Values Drive Everything We Do

We deliver service that exceeds expectations and promotes positive change.

Quality & Excellence

We are all leaders and attend to the growth and well-being of each other.

Servant Leadership

We strive to remove barriers and assure the conditions for health, for all.

Health & Well-Being for All

We engage with integrity and transparency to build trust.

Authentic Relationships

Our Annual Reports

Our annual reports give an overview of what we’ve accomplished and project highlights throughout the year. This year’s report focuses on our latest successes and how we’re driving positive change.

View 2024 Annual ReportView Past Annual ReportsILC Workshop

Interactive Learning and Conference Center (ILC)

The ILC is a meeting venue in Okemos, MI, offering three rooms of various sizes and technology for hybrid and in person meetings. The ILC offers free parking, Wi-Fi, beverages, and is located near restaurants and hotels.

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Workshop Opportunities

2026 Workshop Home Banner

Facilitating Collaboration: A Relationship-Driven Practice

What does it look like to create a space where everyone can thrive?

This workshop empowers individuals and groups to accomplish goals. Emphasizing the value of fostering an environment that honors everyone’s knowledge, experience, and ideas, Facilitating Collaboration offers insights to break down engagement barriers so everyone can work together effectively.

Learn More

Quality Improvement: Using Data to Center Health and Wellness for All.

How do we improve our planning efforts to achieve better outcomes?

Two workshops, Using Quality Improvement (QI) Tools to Center Wellness and Health for All (July 2025) and Advancing Wellness and Health for All through Quality Improvement (November 2025) offer practical, accessible ways for professionals to use data and information to guide improvement efforts.

Learn More

New & Noteworthy

  • Hometown Hero Awards
ascherer2025-12-05T11:51:45-05:00

Michigan Public Health Week Partnership is accepting nominations for 2026 Hometown Health Hero award

ascherer2025-12-05T11:51:45-05:00December 5th, 2025|

ascherer2025-09-09T15:05:46-04:00

CEO Dr. Renée Branch Canady and Associate Director Linda Gordon featured in NNPHI and PHIG video

ascherer2025-09-09T15:05:46-04:00September 9th, 2025|

ascherer2025-09-02T16:27:05-04:00

MPHI staff to present at MALPH Conference

ascherer2025-09-02T16:27:05-04:00September 2nd, 2025|

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2436 Woodlake Circle Suite 300 Okemos, MI 48864 Phone: (517) 324-8300 Fax: (517) 381-0260 Email: [email protected] Campus Map Page load link Go to Top

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