The 29th Annual Meeting of the Rhode Island Public Health Association
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Rhode Island Room at Johnson & Wales’ Harborside Campus 1150 Narragansett Blvd, Cranston, RI 02920
4 - 5pm: Registration & Hors D'oeuvres
5 - 7:30pm: Program & Dinner
7:30 - 8pm: Awards & Closing
Keynote Panel:
James serves as EOHHS’ Director of Strategy and Innovation in Rhode Island. In his role, James oversees the development of comprehensive, whole-of-government strategies for a variety of key priorities which have included Olmstead planning, Medicaid renewals, homelessness prevention, oral health system transformation, and performance improvement. James brings the lens of voice, choice, and equity to strategic initiatives across the Secretariat. James was named 40 Under 40 Nationally in Public Health by the De Beaumont Foundation and 40 Under 40 in Rhode Island by the Providence Business News. With over 17 years in public service, James has broad experience with complex problem solving, including numerous emergencies including COVID-19, youth vaping epidemic, H1N1 influenza, overdose, and most recently, the Federal impacts of House Resolution 1
Meghan has served as Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island since 2019, leading the organization’s modernization, expansion, and a 50% increase in daily meal deliveries since pre-pandemic levels. She has broadened services to address food insecurity among older adults, perinatal women, rural children, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS, while launching culturally appropriate meal programs and a Veterans Café initiative.
Previously, Meghan was Chief Operating Officer of a large multi-service organization. She holds a master’s in public administration from Roger Williams University, a bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College, and an honorary doctorate from Rhode Island College.
Recognized for her leadership and commitment to equity, Meghan has received multiple awards, including the Christiana Carteaux Bannister Award and Providence Business News C-Suite Award. She currently chairs the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Aging and serves on advisory boards for Brown University’s School of Public Health and the Women & Infants Foundation.
Jonathan is a professor at Johnson & Wales University and director of the Master of Public Health program. He is a public health researcher with experience in addiction, legal, and social epidemiology. His recent research has highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in promoting addictive behaviors on social media and assessing basic needs insecurities in college students. In addition, Jonathan has completed research projects on international and national alcohol policy, gambling in young adults, the role of marketing in driving after substance use, and the development of a survey to measure restrictive masculinity. Jonathan received his master’s and doctorate in public health from the University of Connecticut.
As the Assistant Vice President for Grants and Community Investments, Zach helps oversees operational aspects of the team and supports efforts to align grantmaking with the Foundation's strategic vision. He also maintains a portfolio of grant investments that reflects the goals and focus areas articulated in the Foundation's Healthy and Strong Community Priority. He collaborates with a range of community stakeholders from within and beyond the health sector to advance the goal of creating healthier communities across Rhode Island. Zach also supports initiatives closely aligned with but beyond the Foundation’s grantmaking, with the overarching goal of improving health outcomes and reduce disparities in Rhode Island.
Zach earned an undergraduate degree in modern history at the University of Saint Andrews, and a master’s degree in public health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Laurie comes to the Mental Health Association with 24 years of nonprofit experience and a passion for helping, inspiring and leading. She is driven by the core belief that we are meant to take care of each other, especially our most vulnerable. Laurie has served as a lobbyist and policy analyst for the ACLU; a case manager at AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts; a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the child welfare system, Treatment Access Program Manager at Project HEAL; and the Director of Strategic Partnerships at NeedyMeds. Laurie recovered from anorexia nervosa when she was 17 years old. She has also survived two severe episodes of clinical depression and lives with complex PTSD. In her spare time, she is the 2024 recipient of Butler Hospital’s Lila M. Sapinsley Community Service Award.
Jesse Shipley was appointed Chief Operating Officer at East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) in October 2024. With over 14 years of experience in healthcare management, he works alongside the CEO to advance EBCAP’s strategic goals and operational growth. Jesse has strengthened the organization’s efficiency by enhancing medical, dental, and behavioral health operations, launching an online patient portal, and fostering partnerships with community and state leaders.
Before joining EBCAP, Jesse served as Vice President of Strategic Planning & Risk at Harbor Health in Boston, overseeing compliance, risk management, and patient experience. He also held leadership roles at Centene Corporation in St. Louis from 2011 to 2021.
He holds an MBA from Webster University and a B.S. from Shippensburg University, along with certifications in Business Strategy from Harvard University and Health Care Compliance.
Questions for the Panelists?
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Registration is due Friday, November 7, 2025. Register today so you don't miss out!
Please note: Should the cost of this event cause an undue burden, please email annualmeeting@ripha.org.
Questions? Contact: annualmeeting@ripha.org
