Leading Public Health Communicator & Epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina Joins Governors Public Health Alliance as Advisor
WASHINGTON — The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA), a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to protect public health, today announced that Dr. Katelyn Jetelina will join as an advisor.
Dr. Jetelina is an epidemiologist and nationally recognized public health communicator whose work spans science communication and public trust in health institutions. She reaches millions of Americans through her widely read newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, and across new media platforms. She is also the founder of Project Stethoscope, a program designed to listen to and engage with communities, and to connect their voices to the systems where public health decisions are made. Dr. Jetelina’s expertise will strengthen PHA’s work at a moment when effective public health leadership requires not only scientific expertise, but the ability to translate complex information into clear, trusted guidance for families, clinicians, and communities.
“Dr. Jetelina brings a powerful combination of scientific expertise and a proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the public,” said Angela Botticella, Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance. “At a time when public health guidance can feel fragmented and confusing, her voice will help strengthen how governors and public health leaders connect with people, reinforce trust, and ensure communities have access to credible, evidence-based information.”
“I’ve spent my career working to make public health information more accessible, timely, and useful so families and communities feel empowered to make evidence-based decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Public health doesn’t fail because of a lack of science; it fails when the connection between people and the systems meant to serve them breaks down.” said Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. “Governors are uniquely positioned to rebuild that connection not just through clear communication but also by creating bidirectional relationships with the communities they serve. I’m excited to support PHA’s work to strengthen coordination, elevate community voices, and make sure families have the trusted information and systems they deserve.”
Dr. Jetelina joins a growing advisory bench that includes bipartisan leaders from across public health, medicine, and policy, including Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC Director and North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services; Dr. Anne Zink, former Alaska Chief Medical Officer; and Dr. Raj Panjabi, former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense; as well as Amb. Nina Hachigian, former U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy. Together, PHA advisors provide multidisciplinary expertise to support governors as they navigate evolving public health challenges, strengthen preparedness, and coordinate across states.
The Governors Public Health Alliance is an initiative of GovAct, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports governors in protecting fundamental freedoms, including public health. As a part of GovAct, the Alliance is also guided by GovAct’s Bipartisan Advisory Board of former governors — Arne Carlson (R-MN), Jim Doyle (D-WI), Deval Patrick (D-MA), Marc Racicot (R-MT), Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS), Bill Graves (R-KS), and Bill Weld (R-MA) — and former senior federal officials Sally Yates and Larry Thompson.
Launched in October 2025 at the direction of governors and their public health leadership, the Governors Public Health Alliance provides a vehicle for cross-state collaboration on issues such as disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, vaccine access, and public health communication.
As federal systems continue to evolve, governors are working together through PHA to build durable, science-based approaches that protect communities and improve public health outcomes.
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About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to reinforce scientific integrity and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, visit www.govsforhealth.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a central platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. To learn more, visit www.GovActAlliance.org.