DrPH Alumni Spotlights: Leading Change in Public Health
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Our DrPH alumni are innovators, advocates, and systems changers. Each brings a unique story, a distinct leadership lens, and an unwavering commitment to improving population health.
Dive into the spotlights below to learn what drew them to the DrPH Program, how their leadership evolved, and how they are applying what they learned to create impact—from local communities to global systems.
Alums
Dr. Gwendolyn A Foster, DrPH, CNM, FAAN
Dr. Gwendolyn Foster, the Brigadier General and Commander of the 59th Medical Wing, and Military Treatment Facility Director, completed her DrPH in 2025. In her current position, she leads the Air Force Medical Service, comprising 4,600 personnel and a $270 million budget. Prior, she served as Director of Staff to the Surgeon General, Headquarters Air Force at the Pentagon.
Dr. Amy Warnock, DrPH, MPA
Dr. Amy Warnock is the Associate Deputy Director for Policy Partnerships and Communications in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She credits her doctoral training with preparing her to lead organizational change, translate science into practice, and step confidently into complex leadership roles.
Dr. Tinesha Banks, DrPH, MPH
Dr. Tinesha Banks holds dual titles as President of Legacy Treatment Services and Executive Vice President of Woods System of Care. After completing her DrPH in 2020 at UIC, she continues to advance the field of public health through bold, values‑driven leadership and a deep commitment to organizational transformation.
Alums
Dr. Heather Miranda DrPH, MHA, RD, LDN
Dr. Heather Miranda has worked in community and public health for over 27 years. She started her career as a registered dietitian in Los Angeles County, California serving women, infants and children. Her personal mission is to ensure all people have access to care and that we remove barriers that limit a person’s ability to have the highest quality of life possible.
Dr. Kevin Kovach, DrPH, MSc
Dr. Kevin Kovach brings both strategic leadership skills and research skills to help build capabilities for change across the field. His work has been developed through roles at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) to leading journals such as JPHMP, NEJM, and Health Equity.
Dr. Patricia Ruiz DrPH, RN, MA, MBA, NEA-BC
Dr. Patricia Ruiz has been an Ambulatory Nurse for more than 16 years. Patricia had a progressive career and specialized in Ambulatory Surgery, Endoscopy, and Ambulatory Chemotherapy. Her leadership includes overseeing clinical operations and quality for more than 900 physicians practicing at more than 90 practice locations, spanning four counties in Long Island and Queens, New York.
Alums
Dr. Glenn E. Schneider, DrPH, MPH
Dr. Schneider leads a skilled, strategic, and talented team of program and policy staff that works side by side with the community to improve public health outcomes and eliminate structural racism. For 14 years, he has overseen the Foundation’s overall strategic planning efforts, program planning, and policy work and has been a key advocacy campaign strategist working closely with community coalitions, grantees, and partners.
Dr. Yi Feng Lai, DrPH, BSc(Pharm)(Hons)
Dr. Yi Feng is a believer in continuous research and improvement, and is extensively involved in health services research spanning clinical safety, quality, and care integration, and has authored 15 peer-reviewed publications to date. He is also currently an appointed peer reviewer with both Journal of American College of Clinical Pharmacy (JACCP) and International Journal for Quality in Health Care (IJQHC). Externally, Yi Feng is a grassroots leader with Bedok Community Centre and People’s Association.