2027
Meet the Candidates:
Please see the list of candidates below for the open positions on the 2027 CPHA Board of Directors. Please click the name to learn more about each candidates qualifications.
President Elect
( 3-year Term)
Health Equity Officer
(3-year Term)
1 seat available
Names Here
At-Large Seat
(3-year Term)
2 seats available
Names Here
Emerging Leaders Director (3-year Term)
1 seat available
President Elect
(3-year Term)
Name: James Kuemmerle
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
I’m excited to join the CPHA Board of Directors because it offers an opportunity to advance health equity and strengthen the public health workforce across Colorado. As someone deeply committed to rural and behavioral health, I’m eager to bring a regional perspective, foster collaboration across sectors, and help shape policies that promote inclusion and resilience in communities often left behind. Serving on the board aligns with my passion for systems-level change and community-driven impact.
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In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
I’m currently engaged in rural behavioral health, aging services, and community resilience. My work focuses on suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and improving access to care in underserved regions. I also collaborate on housing, workforce development, and cross-sector initiatives that address the social determinants of health and strengthen community well-being across Northeast Colorado.
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What other boards have you served on?
National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Colorado Chapters Colorado Commission on Aging Washington County, CO Housing Authority Board. Colorado Governors Fellowship
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What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​My leadership experience in rural behavioral health, policy advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration has prepared me to serve as CPHA President-Elect. I bring strong skills in strategic planning, partnership building, and facilitation—bridging public health, healthcare, and community voices. With a track record of advancing health equity initiatives and mentoring emerging leaders, I’m ready to help guide CPHA’s vision, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the association’s statewide impact.
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Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management: 3
Cross-sectoral partnerships: 3
JEDI: 2
Administrative Skills: 3 Fundraising: 3
Grant Writing: 3
Non-Profit Governance: 3
Effective Communication: 3
Policy Engagement: 3
Data Skills: 3
Programmatic Expertise: 3
Systems and Strategic Thinking: 3 Community Engagement: 3
​Leadership Experience: 3
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What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
To me, racial justice and health equity mean creating systems where everyone—regardless of race, place, or background—has a fair and just opportunity to thrive. It requires confronting and dismantling structural barriers that perpetuate inequity and listening to the lived experiences of those most affected. True health equity isn’t only about access to care, but also about ensuring dignity, representation, and shared power in the decisions that shape community well-being.
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Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
My work in rural behavioral health has deepened my commitment to racial justice and health equity. I strive to elevate underrepresented voices, address systemic barriers, and build partnerships that promote inclusion and access. Through community engagement, policy advocacy, and cultural humility, I work to ensure that all Coloradans—especially those in rural and marginalized communities—have equitable opportunities for health and well-being.
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In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
I can contribute most in advancing rural health equity, addressing behavioral health disparities, and fostering inclusive community engagement. I bring experience in cross-sector collaboration and policy advocacy. I would value support in deepening expertise on statewide racial justice initiatives, data-driven equity measurement, and strategies for engaging urban and diverse populations beyond my regional focus.
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Health Equity Officer
(3-year Term)
Candidate 1
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
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In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
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What other boards have you served on?
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What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
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Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
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What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
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Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
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In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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Candidate 2
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
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In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
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What other boards have you served on?
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What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
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​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
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What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
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Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
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In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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Candidate 3
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
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In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
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What other boards have you served on?
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What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
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​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
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What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
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In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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Candidate 4
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
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In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
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What other boards have you served on?
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​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
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​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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Candidate 5
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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Candidate 6
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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Candidate 7
Name:
​
What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
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In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
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At-Large Seat- 2 Open Positions
(3-year Term)
Candidate 1
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
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In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
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​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
Candidate 2
Name:
​
What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
Candidate 3
Name:
​
What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
Candidate 4
Name:
​
What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
Candidate 5
Name:
​
What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
Health Equity Officer - 1 Open Position
(3-year Term)
Candidate 1
Name:
​
What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
​
​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
​
Emerging Leader Director -
1 Open Position
(3-year Term)
Candidate 1
Name:
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What excites you about joining the CPHA Board?
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​
In what areas of public health are you currently engaged?
​
​
What other boards have you served on?
​
​
What skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this board position?
​
​
Level of Experience:
0 No Knowledge or experience
1 Some Knowledge around the skillset but no experience putting it into action
2 Moderate knowledge and experience applying the skillset
3 Extensive knowledge and experience applying the skillset
Budget and Financial Management:
Cross-sectoral partnerships:
JEDI:
Administrative Skills: Fundraising:
Grant Writing:
Non-Profit Governance:
Effective Communication:
Policy Engagement:
Data Skills:
Programmatic Expertise:
Systems and Strategic Thinking:
Community Engagement:
​Leadership Experience:​
​
What do racial justice and health equity mean to you?
​
​
Please tell us about your experience and/or commitment to growth in racial justice and health equity.
​
​
In what areas of racial justice and health equity work within CPHA do you think you'd contribute the most, and in what work area(s) do you feel you may need more support?
​
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