Andrew Roszak, Senior Director for Environmental Health, Pandemic Preparedness, and Catastrophic Response at NACCHO, has been selected to receive a 2015 “Pillars of Public Health Award” from the City of El Paso Department of Public Health. NACCHO congratulates Roszak on this honor.
“The mission of NACCHO is to be a leader, partner, catalyst and voice with local health departments. Honoring Mr. Roszak with the Pillar of Public Health Award is one indicator of our success with that mission. Thanks to El Paso Department of Health for recognizing Andy’s work and congratulations to Andy from all of us at NACCHO,” said Robert M. Pestronk, NACCHO executive director.
Now in its second year, the Pillars of Public Health Award honors groups and individuals who significantly contribute to the advancement of public health efforts, and who protect and advocate for the health and well-being of the El Paso, Texas, community. Health Department directors make up the award selection committee; they meet to identify those individuals and organizations that have had the largest impact over the past year, and awardee selections are borne from those discussions.
One of three recipients, Roszak was honored for his involvement in numerous projects and initiatives over a four-year relationship with the City of El Paso Health Department. Among other achievements, Roszak worked with the department on Flu on Call simulation projects, radiation tabletop exercises, has spoken during workshop series, facilitated connections with organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Library of Medicine, and has pointed the department toward numerous grant opportunities.
“Andy is one of our family members,” said Angela Mora, deputy health director and chair of the award selection committee. “Not only is he a great connector for public health but he’s also a great advocate for the city of El Paso. He’s just the kind of person who loves what he does and loves the communities he goes to, and he really gives a lot of himself to see us succeed and connect with others.”
Roszak has been with NACCHO since November 2012, and working in the public health field for 10 years. Prior to joining the NACCHO team, he held senior positions with the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, Indiana, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Roszak, who holds a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctorate degree, also served as a Winston Health Policy Fellow in the U.S. Senate Budget and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees. Prior, Roszak worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and hazardous materials technician in the Chicago area.
An award ceremony will take place on January 22 at the City of El Paso Department of Public Health.
