The Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis has announced the appointment of Richelle Simmons Clark as co-director of the Center for Community Health & Partnerships.
Throughout her career, Clark has been committed to community health in St. Louis. She comes to the Center for Community Health & Partnerships after working more than 10 years overseeing health services for St. Louis Public Schools.
Prior to that, Clark served as the assistant director of health and hospitals for the City of St. Louis Department of Health, and has held a number of other healthcare positions within local hospitals, agencies and the city school district.
In her new role, Clark is responsible for reaching out to community organizations to determine ways Washington University can support them in delivering the best evidence-based care, and developing collaborative partnerships to pursue common goals.
Along with a faculty co-director to be named, she will shape the future direction and strategic programs of the center, which was established in November 2011.
“Richelle brings an unparalleled combination of demonstrated leadership ability, deep local connections and a drive for improving community health to the Center for Community Health & Partnerships,” said Edward F. Lawlor, PhD, dean of the Brown School and the William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor and the institute’s founding director.
“We are confident she will provide a clear vision, successfully bring together community and university partners, and ultimately produce the sustained community health impact that is at the heart of the center’s mission,” Lawlor said.
Clark began her new position April 8 and among her first duties is leading the center’s search for a co-director. The search process for this faculty position is under way.
To learn more about the Institute for Public Health and the Center for Community Health & Partnerships, visit publichealth.wustl.edu.