James Collins
Lake Orion,MI
Summary
Accomplished public health professional with expertise in program management and team leadership. Known for leveraging data-driven insights to evaluate program effectiveness and drive strategic initiatives. Ready to enhance public health efforts and community well-being.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Communicable Disease Division
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Lansing, MI
08.2015 - 09.2025
- Led strategic initiatives for health policy development and implementation.
- Actively contributed to national initiatives in support of state and local public health services.
- Provided national leadership as chair of the Surveillance and Informatics Steering Committee with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.
- Contributed to multiple national efforts with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
- Directed program response to multiple pandemics.
- Oversaw budget management for multiple departmental projects and initiatives.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through data analysis and stakeholder feedback.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
Manager - Surveillance Section
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Lansing, MI
04.2005 - 06.2016
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance health service delivery throughout Michigan.
- Actively engaged partners nationally in support of public health informatics initiatives.
- Managed cross-functional teams for effective execution of public health programs.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for program development.
- Monitored staff performance and resolved issues promptly.
- Coached and mentored team members to improve job performance.
- Supported State disease surveillance infrastructure to strengthen public health efforts.
Coordinator Michigan Disease Surveillance System
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Lansing, MI
12.2002 - 04.2005
- Coordinated the development and implementation of the state's communicable disease surveillance system.
- Assisted in the implementation of statewide health initiatives and campaigns.
- Oversaw data collection processes to support program evaluation efforts.
- Supported grant application processes by compiling necessary documentation and reports.
Epidemiologist - Bioterrorism Unit
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Lansing, MI
01.2000 - 12.2002
- Conducted epidemiological studies to identify disease patterns in Michigan communities.
- Presented findings to stakeholders, raising awareness of statewide health issues.
- Developed educational materials to inform the public about disease prevention practices.
- Engaged with community organizations to promote public health initiatives and resources.
- Drafted communications materials including press releases and newsletters on emergency preparedness topics.
- Contributed innovative ideas to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Developed emergency response plans for natural and man-made disasters.
- Participated in meetings with local officials to shape regional emergency management policies.
Epidemiologist
Macomb County Health Department
Mt. Clemens, MI
07.1992 - 12.1999
- Analyzed health data to identify trends, guiding community health initiatives.
- Monitored disease outbreaks and coordinated response strategies with local agencies.
- Presented findings to stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
- Compiled case data to produce weekly summaries and maintain reporting standards.
- Ensured compliance with data collection, reporting, and quality control throughout investigations.
- Authored final reports detailing investigation outcomes and recommended corrective actions.
- Conducted extensive surveillance on notifiable infections in a large population region.
- Developed epidemiological reports for government agencies and healthcare organizations.
Environmentalist
Macomb County Health Department
Mt. Clemens, MI
10.1988 - 08.1990
- Developed and implemented software for county field computing, enhancing food service inspections.
- Conducted inspections of food service establishments to verify compliance with health regulations.
- Guided food service personnel in proper sanitation techniques for equipment and surfaces.
- Performed risk assessments on food production processes, identifying hazards and corrective actions.
- Compiled data on communicable disease trends, reporting findings to relevant authorities.
- Provided technical assistance during epidemiological investigations of food poisoning cases.
- Participated in emergency response drills for hazardous material incidents.
- Coordinated emergency response activities related to spills or other incidents involving hazardous materials.
- Developed and implemented hazardous waste management plans for disposal of contaminated materials.
- Analyzed factors affecting emergency response operations and emergency hazard mitigation to develop safety prevention plan.
Education
Master of Public Health - Epidemiology
University of Michigan, School of Public Health
Ann Arbor, MI04-1990
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Alma College
Alma, Michigan04-1985
Skills
- Data analysis and strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement and program evaluation
- Public health advocacy
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication skills
- Team management and collaboration
- Creativity and innovation
- Information technology management
- Program management
Accomplishments
MDHHS Department Director Designation - Career, 2014
Affiliations
Director, Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services Board of Directors 2005-2022
Timeline
Director - Communicable Disease Division
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
08.2015 - 09.2025
Manager - Surveillance Section
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
04.2005 - 06.2016
Coordinator Michigan Disease Surveillance System
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
12.2002 - 04.2005
Epidemiologist - Bioterrorism Unit
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
01.2000 - 12.2002
Epidemiologist
Macomb County Health Department
07.1992 - 12.1999
Environmentalist
Macomb County Health Department
10.1988 - 08.1990
Master of Public Health - Epidemiology
University of Michigan, School of Public Health
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Alma College