On Tuesday, July 15, the 2025 NACCHO360 conference in Anaheim, California, opened with over 2,300 in attendance. 

Gathering under the theme, “Bright Lights, Bold Ideas: Shaping the Future of Public Health Practice,” the opening plenary set the tone for a week that celebrated the innovation, courage, and leadership that will define the next era of public health. 

In her opening remarks, NACCHO CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman, noted that “the world is changing fast—and the communities we serve need us to evolve with it.”

“At a time when the only certainty is uncertainty, this theme uplifts the brightest and boldest ideas in public health and celebrates the courage of those – including everyone here in attendance – who work to transform them into action,” said Freeman.

Secretary at the California Health & Human Services Agency Kim Johnson shared that the work of public health doesn’t stop, it shifts with time. She expressed a hope that attendees leave with a stronger resolve to collaborate for the furtherment of health and well-being across the country.

Dr. Michael Kilkenny, Chief Executive Officer and Health Officer for Cabell-Huntington Health Department (WV) and NACCHO Immediate Past President, spoke of the trajectory of his career, the successes he has been part of in his “dream job” as a local health officer, and his hopes for the future of public health.

“Dreams come true if you own them, hold them, and make them come true…we need your dreams to come true because the work this generation has done is not enough,” said Kilkenny.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Kilkenny passed on the NACCHO presidential gavel to Damōn Chaplin, Health Commissioner for the City of Minneapolis Health Department and NACCHO Board President.

Chaplin shared how his personal journey has been a public health calling and that he seeks to understand and transform the systems that shape our lives, hoping that his family’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. 

He noted that inclusion is not optional— “it is critical for harmony, team cohesion, and a culture of excellence.” Chaplin spoke of the need to be brave enough to redefine public health, calling out that “our strength lies in our collective resolve and the diversity of our experience.”

Following the formal NACCHO board leadership transition, Dr. Judy Monroe, President and Chief Executive Officer at CDC Foundation, and Dr. Karen Hacker, Former Director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), participated in a fireside chat. The conversation touched on the changes happening around us and their impact on chronic disease. A need to get away from the siloed nature of programs was noted as well as the fact that periods of contraction present opportunities to recognize the interconnectedness that can occur between public health-focused entities. They also spoke of public health’s relationship with the community and that it is foundational to rebuilding trust.

Following the fireside chat, Theresa Wolters, Interim Executive Director and Vice President of Health and Human Services at MusiCares, shared how the people of the music industry are a microcosm of our community, including how health impacts are impacted by factors like financial stress and access to preventive care. 

The opening session concluded with Singer/Songwriter Jerry Hannan sharing his journey in music and his relationship with his brother and bandmate through medical challenges. Hannan shared several songs with the audience, noting that “music is the best medicine.” 

Additional Highlights from Day One of NACCHO360

In addition to the keynote session, day one of NACCHO360 included over 60 learning sessions. The Exhibit Hall also opened with over 100 exhibitors showcasing services and products for public health organizations and professionals.

The day concluded with attendees networking and connecting during a reception in the Exhibit Hall.

Click here to see photos from the day.