Rebecca Johnson
Brighton
Summary
Experienced project and program manager with over five years in public health operations, informatics, and systems improvement. Skilled in leading large-scale initiatives that strengthen community health infrastructure, streamline workflows, and enhance cross-agency collaboration. Adept at managing diverse teams, training multidisciplinary professionals, and translating complex data into actionable insights. Known for a human-centered approach that balances efficiency, equity, and long-term impact across public health and human services programs.
Key qualifications include:
- Public Health Informatics & Data Management: Experienced in managing and analyzing large datasets using SQL, R, and cloud-based surveillance systems (e.g., EpiTrax, REDCap, CEDRS), as well as electronic health record systems (e.g. Contexture). Proficient in resolving data transfer issues and ensuring high-quality, accurate reporting through electronic case reporting (eCR) and EMSA.
- Training, Documentation & User Support: Designed and implemented comprehensive training programs for disease surveillance software, including detailed user guides, standard operating procedures, and virtual content hubs to improve user access and adoption.
- Project & Program Leadership: Successfully led multiple public health response teams and projects simultaneously, including software implementation and case investigation teams. Managed cross-agency collaborations and large-scale outbreak investigations involving high-risk populations.
- System Testing & Quality Assurance: Directed user acceptance testing (UAT) for new public health software features, identifying bugs and ensuring enhancements met user needs and functionality standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Demonstrated strong interpersonal and facilitation skills through leading workgroups, developing communication strategies, and collaborating with LPHAs, federal partners (e.g., CDC), and internal CDPHE teams to improve system usability and responsiveness.
- Website & Documentation Management: Oversaw development and continual improvement of internal websites, ensuring resources were accessible, accurate, and compliant with statewide accessibility standards.
- Education & Certification: Master of Public Health (MPH); Bachelor of Science in Child Development; Certified in Public Health (CPH).
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Implementation Specialist
Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment
Denver, CO
07.2023 - Current
- Creation and analysis of data exports from EpiTrax
- Identification of data requiring changes and subsequent manual updates of data sets
- ECR and EMSA error resolution to ensure data transfers successfully through to EpiTrax from reporting agencies, based on disease reporting protocols
- Designing plain language documents and charting of complex application scripts to confirm accurate functionality with external stakeholders
- Turning code into plain language charts for stakeholders to review and understand functionality
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions and user support for the front-end access of new disease-reporting software, ensuring seamless adoption and efficient usage.
- Created detailed user guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting documentation to assist users in navigating the system effectively.
- Managed user access to the disease-reporting software, ensuring appropriate permissions and security measures were in place.
- Implemented access control policies and procedures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain system integrity.
- Facilitated engagement through workgroups, agency meetings, and targeted email campaigns, fostering strong relationships and ensuring clear communication.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to gather feedback, identify user needs, and implement improvements to the reporting software.
- Designed and maintained user-friendly websites to provide easy access to training materials, resources, and system manuals.
- Regularly updated website content to reflect the latest software updates, ensuring users have access to current information.
- Led user acceptance testing efforts to validate new software features and enhancements, ensuring they met user requirements and functionality standards.
- Documented test cases, reported issues, and collaborated with development teams to resolve any identified bugs or performance issues.
- Followed statewide accessibility standards, updating documentation available to the public to ensure it is fully accessible
- Training of colleagues on proper preparation of documents to ensure compliance moving forward
Assistant Program Manager
CDPHE
Denver, CO
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Effectively managed and prioritized up to nine concurrent public health projects, ensuring timely progress across high-impact initiatives.
- Collaborated with software vendors and project managers to enhance platforms used by state and federal partners, including the CDC.
- Conducted in-depth data analysis using SQL and R to inform strategic decision-making, improve reporting metrics, and guide staff performance.
- Played a central role in coordinating cross-program efforts for communicable disease investigations, including emerging and high-consequence pathogens such as M. Pox, Ebola, and Avian Influenza.
- Maintained expert-level proficiency in multiple surveillance and health record systems (e.g., REDCap, EpiTrax, CORHIO), and led oversight of a program website used to centralize operational resources and guidance for staff.
- Led program development initiatives to enhance public health outreach efforts.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of health programs.
Special Populations Unit Manager
CDPHE
Denver, CO
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Established and led a specialized case investigation team focused on high-risk populations disproportionately impacted by communicable diseases, including tribal communities, refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those involved in large exposure events.
- Coordinated with the Colorado Department of Public Safety and the CDPHE Refugee Health Team to conduct field investigations and deliver targeted interventions.
- Utilized REDCap to document and report outbreak data, ensuring accurate and timely public health response.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance public health initiatives and improve community engagement strategies.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff to ensure compliance with state health regulations.
- Analyzed program outcomes to identify areas for improvement, driving strategic enhancements in service delivery.
Unit Manager
CDPHE
Denver, CO
01.2021 - 02.2022
- Oversight of supervisors overseeing four high-volume, case investigation teams.
- Implemented standardized supervision and workflow practices in coordination with CDPHE and AmeriCorps leadership, resulting in improved efficiency and data quality.
- Led efforts in line list management, transmission mapping, and development of investigation support tools.
- Designed tailored investigation systems for school and workplace outbreaks, and coordinated COVID-19 transmission control strategies in collaboration with local public health agencies and wildfire incident command teams during concurrent emergencies.
Assistant Unit Manager
CDPHE
Denver, CO
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Provided leadership and mentorship to staff new to public health by implementing structured goal-setting, coaching, and professional development processes.
- Developed standard operating procedures to guide program standards, technology use, and data cleaning practices.
- Served as a key liaison between CDPHE and local public health agencies in rural communities, supporting their transition to state-led investigation processes.
- Managed and analyzed data using platforms such as CEDRS, REDCap, and CommCare to support effective public health decision-making.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for operational efficiency gains.
Disease Interventionist
CDPHE
Denver, CO
04.2020 - 08.2020
- Conducted high-volume case investigations and contact tracing for COVID-19, ensuring timely identification and follow-up of cases.
- Coordinated essential resources and support for individuals in isolation and quarantine.
- Strengthened communication skills and developed a deeper understanding of the behavioral factors influencing public health decisions and compliance.
Education
Certificate in Public Health -
National Board of Public Health Examiners
01-2025
Master of Science - Master of Public Health
Walden University
05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
Walden University
01-2017
Skills
- Issue resolution
- Client training
- Business analysis
- Telephone and email etiquette
- Project management
- Software implementation
- User acceptance testing
- Customer support
Publications And Reports
- The Rapid Identification of Cases Among Priority Populations Using Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and Known Addresses of Interest - Colorado, 2022., Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, 03/01/23
- Promoting Childhood Immunization Practices Through Early Childhood Educator and Parent Partnerships, 2020., Walden University
Timeline
Implementation Specialist
Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment
07.2023 - Current
Assistant Program Manager
CDPHE
05.2022 - 07.2023
Special Populations Unit Manager
CDPHE
02.2022 - 05.2022
Unit Manager
CDPHE
01.2021 - 02.2022
Assistant Unit Manager
CDPHE
08.2020 - 01.2021
Disease Interventionist
CDPHE
04.2020 - 08.2020
Certificate in Public Health -
National Board of Public Health Examiners
Master of Science - Master of Public Health
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
Walden University