Steering Committee

The Pacific Southwest Center for Emergency Public Health (PSCEPH) Steering Committee guides the Center’s efforts in strengthening our region’s capacity to prepare for and respond to public health threats.

Guided by leaders from institutional and state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) partners, the PSCEPH Steering Committee plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, ensuring equitable access to resources, and strengthening public health systems across Health and Human Services Region 9.

Role of the Steering Committee

  • Providing Strategic Guidance: Shaping the Center’s initiatives to align with regional needs and priorities
  • Advising on Best Practices: Advising on best practices to enhance regional coordinator and preparedness
  • Promoting Resource Distribution: Advocating for the fair allocation of resources and services across communities
  • Collaborating with Experts: Working alongside a network of professionals dedicated to strengthening response efforts and public health systems

Steering Committee Members

American Samoa

  • Captain Ben Sili, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director

Arizona

  • Katie Turnbow, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Arizona
  • Edward Valinski, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director, Arizona Department of Health Services

California

  • Dee Ann Bagwell, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California
  • Karen Chang, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California
  • Tricia Blocher, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director, California Department of Public Health

Federated States of Micronesia

  • Ruotpong Pongliyab, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director

Guam

  • Johnathan Lujan, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director

Nevada

  • Donielle Allen, PHEP Director, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

Northern Mariana Islands

  • Warren Villagomez, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation
  • John Tagbuel, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation
  • Mackneil Abraham, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director

Hawai’i

  • Hawaiʻi Department of Health
  • Judy Kern, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director, Hawaii Department of Health

Marshall Islands

  • Mackneil Abraham, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director

Palau

  • Ritter Udui, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director