NEHA 2015 AEC Keynote and Education to Focus on New Ways of Thinking about Environmental Health

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is pleased to announce that the keynote speaker at the 2015 Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition will be the organization’s new executive director, David T. Dyjack, Dr.PH, CIH, who will join NEHA on May 4, 2015.



The keynote will be in keeping with the conference theme for 2015 AEC: Imagine the New NEHA: Tools for Success Today and Making a Difference for Tomorrow. Dyjack will discuss the role of leadership to disrupt a status quo that often fails to make lasting, positive changes, as it is too often dictated by the whims of an American society that sees environmental and public health issues primarily in the short term. “History teaches us that people will rally to combat a perceived threat, and that their enthusiasm and attention to the issues quickly wanes after the threat dissipates, particularly if taxes or investments are required...Disruption of the status quo and relentless commitment to understanding the values and beliefs of society are critical to our profession’s future and the health of the nation.” 

Dyjack most recently has served as the associate executive director of programs at the National Association of County and City Health Officials and brings a wealth of management and leadership experience ranging from local health departments to federal agency collaboration. His 30-year career includes expertise in environmental health, emergency preparedness and response, public health informatics, infectious disease, workforce development, governmental infrastructure, maternal and child health, health equity, and chronic disease. A board certified industrial hygienist, Dyjack also has advanced degrees in public health with a doctorate from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from the University of Utah.



The NEHA AEC provides comprehensive sessions to address the wide number of environmental health disciplines with tracks on two dozen topics including food safety, climate change, emergency preparedness and response, environmental justice, hazardous materials and substances, healthy homes and communities, leadership management and workforce development, water quality and more .



AEC educational sessions also will focus on new ideas, tools, and ways of approaching environmental health issues. Of special interest will be those presentations that celebrate the measurable successes of environmental health programs in our society and use an evidence basis to forge a path forward that fosters sustainable progress in these endeavors.



Highlights of presentations that will take place at the 2015 AEC in Orlando include:  

• Biting Back: Vector Control Program Performance Assessment and Improvement Projects
• Power To The People: How EH Professionals Can Help Communities Help Themselves
• Changing Your Organization’s Direction: Key Steps in Charting a Successful Course
• Demonstration of Knowledge: Making a Real Difference to Swimming Safety
• Geared Towards Compliance: Using Evidence-informed Strategies to Train Pool and Spa Operators
• Verification Times Two: How Do Food Managers Verify Food Safety
• What’s Trending? Today’s Technology and Tomorrow’s Solutions
• 21 Days of Fear and Loathing: The Art and Science of Quarantine
• Breaking Down Barriers: Can’t We Just Get Along?
• Sustainable Solid Waste Management Tour: The Magical World of Biodigestion