By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
August 26, 2024

Welcoming the Newest Experts to the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health

Meet the commission’s newest members, whose expertise and leadership will enhance our efforts to address the health impacts of our changing climate.

Welcoming the Newest Experts to the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health

We are excited to announce the addition of three experts to the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. Joining us are:

  • Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for America's Health
  • Dr. Vanessa Kerry, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization and Co-Founder and CEO of Seed Global Health
  • Dr. Ranit Mishori, Director of the Health and Safety Directorate at the World Bank Group

Their extensive experience and dedication to public health will be instrumental in advancing our mission to address the complex challenges at the intersection of our changing climate and workforce health.

Meet the Commissioners

Dr. J. Nadine Gracia

Dr. J. Nadine Gracia

As President and CEO of Trust for America's Health (TFAH), Dr. J. Nadine Gracia leads TFAH’s efforts to advance evidence-based public health policies and promote optimal health for every person and community. A national health equity leader, Dr. Gracia's work spans critical health issues, including health disparities, the social determinants of health, strengthening the public health system, and building community resilience. Dr. Gracia has a rich history of public service, including her time as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Obama Administration.

Dr. Vanessa Kerry

Dr. Vanessa Kerry

Dr. Vanessa Kerry is the Co-Founder and CEO of Seed Global Health, a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening health systems through long-term investments and training the health workforce. Under her leadership, Seed has trained 42,000 health workers across seven countries, improving healthcare for more than 76 million people. In recognition of the pressure climate change places on health systems and their workforce, Dr. Kerry was appointed WHO Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health in June 2023. She has been a vocal advocate for integrating a health-centered approach into climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, including supporting the UAE COP28 Presidency to shape the first-ever COP Day of Health. Dr. Kerry is a critical care trained physician on faculty at Harvard School of Public Health and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Ranit Mishori

Dr. Ranit Mishori

Dr. Ranit Mishori is a recognized physician leader with extensive experience in medicine, public health, and human rights. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Health and Safety Directorate at the World Bank Group, overseeing programs that support the health, safety, and well-being of staff in more than 140 countries worldwide. Previously, Dr. Mishori was the Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer at Georgetown University, where she led the institution's global COVID-19 response. As Professor of Family Medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and Senior Medical Advisor at Physicians for Human Rights, Dr. Mishori led numerous global health, research, education, and training initiatives, as well as provided expert advice to various national and international bodies.

Looking Ahead

The addition of these Commissioners marks a significant step for the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. Together, we will continue to identify and innovate solutions to the health challenges posed by our changing climate.

The National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health is a group of health and science experts and business leaders dedicated to empowering employers to protect their workers from the health risks posed by our changing climate. The Commission was created by the Health Action Alliance in partnership with Mercer and with strategic input from the CDC Foundation. Additional support for the initiative is being provided by Elevance Health and The Hartford.

Stay Informed

Sign up for our newsletter to keep updated on HAA’s latest initiatives, insights and recommendations, and be first to receive new resources and event invitations.

Sign up