The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) held its annual meeting and conference on November 16, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough. Newly-appointed executive director Toby Fisher praised former executive director Valerie Bassett for her leadership before going on to praise former DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. Incoming board president Steven Bradley recognized the contributions of State Senator Richard Moore and Representative Steven Walsh for their leadership in bringing public health to the forefront in the legislature. Following remarks from interim Commissioner Dr. Lauren Smith, REACH Coalition Coordinator Erline Achille introduced keynote speaker Dr. Brian Smedley, Director the the Health Policy Institute at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Following his address, awards were presented to BOLD Teens of Dorchester and to Vilma Lora of the Greater Lawrence YWCA. Click here for a 90-minute video of the meeting. Click here for a 90-minute video of Dr. Brian Smedley's keynote address.  For more information about MPHA, contact Director of Advocacy and Media Maddie Ribble, MPH at 617-524-6696, Ext. 111.

(Top row, left) Former MPHA Executive Director Valerie Bassett, now a Westport resident, talks with former colleagues prior to the start of the annual meeting. (Top row, center) Fall River Mass in Motion coordinator Julie Kelly chats with Groundwork Lawrence executive director Heather McMann. (Top row, right) MPHA Executive Director Tobey Fisher welcomes people to the meeting and conference. (Middle row) Senator Richard Moore, former Commissioner John Auerbach, and interim Commissioner Dr. Lauren Smith address the group. (Bottom row, left and center) Keynote speaker Dr. Brian Smedley of the Health Policy Institute praises Massachusetts for its leadership in public health as DPH Senior Policy Advisor Geoff Wilkinson and past MPHA executive director and founder of the Public Health Museum Helen Meltzer listen. (Bottom row, right) MPHA Director of Policy and Communications Maddie Ribble, outgoing board president Karen van Unen, MPHA Membership and Development
director Kara Keenan, and incoming board president Steven Bradley pose for a group photo.