The Board of Directors of NAPHSIS, the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems, is pleased to announce that Shawna Webster has been selected as the association's new Executive Director, effective May 1, 2017. Shawna steps into this role after having served as Interim Executive Director for the past 5 months, and Chief Operating Officer for the 5 years prior to that. Vetted Solutions, a Washington, D.C. based executive search firm, managed the nationwide search. "At this critical juncture, NAPHSIS needs a leader who knows how vital records and vital statistics fit into the national conversation about protecting individual identity and improving public health," says current President Lou Saadi, Ph.D. "With her broader background in public health and association management, Shawna brings new ideas, will increase visibility and be a champion for the state vital records agencies in the wide range of challenges they face."
An experienced nonprofit executive, Shawna brings more than 15 years of diverse experience in public health and managing professional membership associations to her leadership role with NAPHSIS. A strategic partner to the Board of Directors in all of her recent roles, Shawna also specialized in membership and governance with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) for 8 years prior to joining NAPHSIS. Shawna has led a wide variety of teams and programs over the years, and has facilitated and implemented strategic plans for several organizations. Shawna is looking forward to the opportunity to continue this work in an executive role. "NAPHSIS is at a crossroads, with a wide range of opportunities and challenges ahead. I couldn't be more thrilled to partner with the Board and the membership to bring our top priorities to fruition. I am eager to step into this leadership role to continue building external relationships, enhance the organization's reputation, and working directly with the membership and the staff to strengthen and promote our products and services."