Board Members

Nellie Washington, MPH, MS – President

Nellie Washington is a senior public health practitioner and Project Director for the Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC) initiative at Maryland’s Community Health Resource Commission. She provides strategic leadership and management for a $70 million statewide grant portfolio supporting clinical services and community-based approaches addressing maternal and child health, behavioral health, eldercare, sickle cell disease, childhood immunizations, and chronic disease prevention.

Ms. Washington brings extensive experience leading large-scale health programs and systems strengthening efforts across federal, state, nonprofit, and association environments. She is recognized for setting strategic direction, aligning policy and resources, and stewarding multimillion-dollar funding portfolios serving underserved and priority populations. A trusted advisor to senior leaders, she is known for translating legislation, data, and community health needs into scalable programs supported by strong governance and clear performance accountability.

Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Washington spent 14 years with the U.S. Department of Defense, where she led chronic disease management and workforce wellness initiatives. Her background also includes grassroots work in school-based health programs, rural health challenges affecting veterans, and advancing equity in cancer care.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Syracuse University, a Master of Public Health from Loma Linda University, and a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from the University of Maryland.

Doreen Effange, DHSc, MPH, MBA, MCHES, PMP - President-Elect

Dr. Doreen Effange is a public health leader, consultant, and nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience advancing health equity and delivering community-centered solutions with measurable impact. Her expertise spans public health practice, health systems strategy, and community development with a focus on translating policy, data, and lived experience into effective and sustainable programs. 

She has led and advised complex initiatives across correctional health cancer education, Medicaid and population health strategy, social determinants of Health (SDOH), quality improvement, and workforce development, working across healthcare systems, nonprofit, and community-based organizations. Dr. Effange brings a systems- oriented, execution focused approach to program design, organizational capacity building, and cross-sector collaboration.

Dr. Effange is the Founder and Executive Director of the Ndome Foundation supporting women and marginalized communities through education, health and community developments initiatives in the United States and Cameroon. She holds a Doctor of Health Science in Global Health, a Master of Public Health (Health Education and Promotion), and a Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Administration), and is a certified Project Management Professional and Master Certified Health Education Specialist.

Beverly Amofah, DrPH, MPH -- Secretary

I hold a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree with a concentration in Epidemiology, backed by over a decade of dedicated public health experience, including specialized work in infectious disease surveillance and control. I currently serve as an Epidemiologist with the Maryland Department of Health’s Bureau of Maternal Child Health. In this role, I am responsible for leading data-driven projects specifically designed to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations, such as children  and youth with specific health care needs.

My prior experience includes serving as an Evaluation Specialist with the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, where I focused on advanced data analysis and the evaluation of public health interventions targeting the HIV population across New York State. Additionally, I worked as a Research Scientist with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of HIV Surveillance, where I was responsible for developing hospital performance reports for facilities providing care to individuals living with HIV.

Oluwanifemi Bakare - Student Representative

Oluwanifemi Bakare is a dedicated public health leader and student with a strong foundation in epidemiology, community health, health equity, and advocacy. At Morgan State University, she is presently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education with a minor in Biology.

She has experience in community outreach, research, healthcare administration, and campus leadership. Oluwanifemi works as a Telehealth Administrative Assistant, supporting clinical operations and patient access to care, and serves as a Student Research Member at the Morgan State University Research Center. Additionally, she has been actively involved in community programs that promote student wellness and early childhood development as well as mental health advocacy.

Oluwanifemi currently serves as the Advocacy Chair for the MSU Health, Equity & Wellness Association, where she leads health advocacy initiatives and collaborates with campus partners to promote student wellness. It is a great honor for her to serve as the MdPHA Student Representative. She advocates for inclusive leadership that creates equitable public health solutions across Maryland, while ensuring that students are active contributors, not just learners, in the state’s public health workforce.

 Yale Friedman – At- Large Board Member

My journey in the public health sector began in 2015, when I began studying in the American University's Public Health program. My key interest areas include topics such as oral health, mental health, infectious disease control, law, and pharmacy, many of which I explored in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the George Washington University. It was an extremely rewarding experience to collaborate with and learn from instructors and classmates from a variety of disciplines all over the world. We all have a common goal to achieve health equity on a global scale. One of the most notable experiences I had in this program was the MPH practicum experiential component, for which I had the opportunity to intern for the Director of Infection Control and Prevention at Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Most recently, I have begun the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare program at the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. Through this program, I am pursuing my interests in clinical research and individualized medicine. In addition to these experiences in academia, I was thrilled to serve on the MdPHA Board as Student Representative for three years. In this role, my goal was to act as a leader and mentor for other students who wish to explore the field of public health to ultimately give back to the community on a grand scale. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the MdPHA Board as an At-Large Director starting in 2026. What an honor it is to represent an organization whose mission is to promote and advocate for health equity to improve health outcomes, especially among underserved populations.

Dr. Lillian Agbeyegbe is a public health practitioner with over decades of experience in program planning and implementation. She earned her Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education from The City University of New York – Hunter College. She earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Dr. Agbeyegbe has worked on the issues that disproportionately affect women, including human trafficking, healthy housing, homelessness, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and female genital mutilation.

Dr. Agbeyegbe is the founder of The Rest Of A Life (TROAL) and has served on many boards, including the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) and Court Watch Montgomery County. She is currently serving a third-term as a Governor's appointee on the Maryland Family Violence Council. She also was a Senior Community Engagement Manager on the Strategic Initiative on Sex Trafficking team at Polaris, a leading national anti-trafficking organization.

Dr. Agbeyegbe is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and is also Certified in Public Health (CPH).

Hanna Idriess, MD, MPH, MBA  – Immediate Past President

Hanna is a public health leader with a career rooted in strategic program development, healthcare systems transformation, and business development. As the President of the Maryland Public Health Association (MdPHA), she leads efforts to strengthen Maryland’s public health policies, support local initiatives, and advocate for health equity and community well-being. She serves on several boards and task forces, including the Committee on Women’s Rights for the American Public Health Association (APHA), where she previously served as a two- term chair, ensuring that women’s voices remain central to public health conversations and policies.

With a strong background in disease prevention and control, maternal and child health, and global health program design, Hanna has contributed to transforming healthcare systems and managing high-impact public health projects. Her work spans multidisciplinary team leadership, funding strategy, and partnership development, driving initiatives that improve healthcare access and outcomes. 

Hanna lives in Maryland, where she actively supports local public health efforts and enjoys raising her two children. 

At home, Hanna is just as busy being the ultimate sideline cheerleader for her kids, who are passionately pursuing their dreams in music and sports. She jokes that her house often feels like a mix of a symphony hall and a sports arena—but whether it’s a performance or a game, she’s always there cheering them on with pride. 

Fluent in English and Arabic, with conversational proficiency in Hindi, Urdu, and Hausa, and currently learning French and Spanish, Hanna values effective communication, building connections, fostering collaboration, and leading initiatives that create a healthier, more equitable world—starting right here in Maryland.

Rael Odengo, PhD- At Large Board Member

Dr. Rael Kobe Odengo, a Global Health Communications Specialist based in Maryland, is an experienced health educator, skilled researcher, and human-centered design facilitator. Professionally, Dr. Odengo has over 19 years of experience in journalism, social behavior change communications, community engagement, health equity, social science research, and public health. She has led the coordination, planning, preparation, presentation, and evaluation of numerous public health campaigns, focusing on family planning, monkeypox, and COVID-19. 

Dr. Odengo received her PhD in Global Health Education and Promotion from Walden University, where her research focused on global health literacy. She specifically explored the barriers and facilitators to obtaining culturally appropriate cancer health education among Kenyan immigrants in Washington State. She also holds a Master’s in Communications from Maseno University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Nairobi. 

With a wealth of experience in designing and coordinating public health education programs, Dr. Odengo has crafted health education interventions, behavioral change communication strategies, and advocacy tools to promote healthy behaviors and policies. She has also successfully managed grants and contracts throughout her career. 

Dr. Odengo is the Health Equity Communications and Access Lead for the Washington State Department of Health's Community Relations and Equity team. In this role, she leads the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach strategies, accessible systems, and clear information pathways for people with limited English proficiency and disabilities. Her experience includes managing family planning projects in Nigeria with Johns Hopkins University and leading social behavior change communication initiatives in Kenya before relocating to the U.S. in 2015. Notably, her leadership on a family planning project in Kenya resulted in an 11% increase in service uptake across six regions. Additionally, while at PATH-Kenya, she oversaw the production of a 256-episode radio program that reached over 5 million listeners across multiple counties.

Chidera Anigabor, MPH- At-Large Board Member

Chidera Anigabor, MPH, is a visionary leader and Population Health Strategist with a steadfast commitment to advancing public health equity and fostering community well-being. With over seven years of experience in public health and healthcare administration, she has successfully spearheaded innovative initiatives that bridge gaps in care and empower underserved populations.

Ms. Anigabor holds a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, equipping her with a robust foundation in nutrition science, program design, and data-driven evaluation. As a Healthcare Administrator at Premier Health Group, she has established operational excellence, driven communication strategies, and optimized resource allocation, contributing significantly to organizational growth and improved patient outcomes. Her strategic insights have led to the successful design and implementation of programs addressing pressing public health issues, including childhood obesity and cervical cancer disparities.

Beyond her administrative accomplishments, Ms. Anigabor is deeply engaged in advocacy and policy work. She serves as a Policy Committee Member and Chair of the WIC Work Group at the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN), where she has contributed to impactful policy recommendations, including input on WIC food packages, the FDA’s voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals, and the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. As an active member of the American Public Health Association (APHA), she collaborates with diverse stakeholders to advance equitable health policies.

In her volunteer role as a Public Health Nutritionist at FCFA Global, Ms. Anigabor has demonstrated her commitment to community health by designing educational programs and advocating for food security. Her ability to blend strategic leadership with hands-on community engagement reflects her holistic approach to addressing health disparities.

Ms. Anigabor’s dedication to lifelong learning and innovation is exemplified by her ongoing doctoral studies at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she continues to explore transformative solutions for public health challenges. As a newly elected MdPHA Board Member, she is eager to leverage her expertise, passion, and collaborative spirit to drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes across Maryland.

Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju, DrPH, MSN, BSN, RN- At-Large Board Member

Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju is a renowned global health leader who currently teaches as a Nursing Professor at Coppin State University. She has spearheaded numerous health initiatives addressing infectious disease prevention, family health, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health for diverse populations. Additionally, she is a dedicated mentor, public health researcher, and health policy advocate.

Dr. Olateju founded Food and Care for All (FCFA) in 2019, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing food security and equitable healthcare for underserved communities in Maryland and Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, she launched the Meals for Kidz Initiative in Nigeria, an FCFA-affiliated NGO that collaborates with local schools to ensure underprivileged children receive the nutrition necessary for learning.

Dr. Olateju obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Community & Public Health Nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). She also received a Doctor of Public Health degree from Morgan State University, specializing in Health Policy and Management.

Dr. Olateju is an alumnus of the Paul Ambrose Scholarship Program and a Fellow of the American Public Health Association-Kaiser Permanente Community Health Program. She has extensively published and presented on the international, national, and regional levels and has served within many national, state, and local professional agencies. Dr. Olateju has earned numerous prestigious honors throughout her career, including the Feleta Wilson Social Justice Award in 2024 from the American Public Health Association, the Public Health Leadership Award in 2024 from the Maryland Public Health Association, and the Top Nurses 2020 Award from Baltimore Magazine.

In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve as co-chair of Maryland's inaugural Commission on Public Health, a position she continues to hold.

Kerry Green, PhD- At-Large Board Member

Dr. Kerry M. Green is currently a Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. She joined the faculty in August 2007 as an Assistant Professor after completing a post-doctoral fellowship in Prevention Science at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. As a prevention scientist, her research concentrates on improving the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations. Much of her work focuses on identifying the causes of health disparities over the life course among urban Americans. Her research is concentrated in two major areas: (1) risk and protective factors, including structural factors, over the life course and (2) the interrelationship of substance use, mental health, crime, and sexual health over the life course. Almost all of her work utilizes longitudinal cohorts, mostly urban cohorts followed from childhood to adulthood. Much of her work has been with the Woodlawn Study, a community cohort study that began in 1965. She coordinated the midlife follow-up (age 42) in 2002-03, and led the age 62 follow-up with funding from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This 5-year R01 provides an unprecedented opportunity to take a life course perspective to prospectively examine how factors in childhood predict aging outcomes in urban Americans. She has published extensively on this data with continuous NIH funding since 2006 from such institutes as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). 

In addition to the research, teaching, and mentoring at UMD, she co-leads the early career mentoring program for the Society for Prevention Research. This program matches early career scholars with senior prevention scientist mentors, as well as facilitates an introduction to prevention science for undergraduate students. She was elected to the Maryland Public Health Association's board in 2025 and is serving on the membership and student committees.

Melanie Bolden, MPH – Climate and Health Coordinator

Melanie is currently a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health, concentrating in Environmental Health. Originally from New Orleans, she earned a BS in Biology at the University of Arkansas and an MPH in Epidemiology at SUNY-Albany. Melanie is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and served in Mozambique, working primarily on HIV/AIDS and malaria projects from 2013 to 2015. With a range of previous public health experiences and research interests, she looks forward to working with the chapter on its climate action goals and initiatives as the Climate and Health Coordinator!