Betty Bekemeier, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., F.A.A.N.

Betty Bekemeier, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., F.A.A.N. is an Associate Professor at the University of Washington (UW) School of Nursing and adjunct associate professor at the UW School of Public Health. Her scholarship in Public Health Services and Systems Research emphasizes state and local health departments and their role in eliminating health disparities. From 2001-2007 Dr. Bekemeier served as Deputy Director of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Turning Point National Program Office through with she worked with local and state health department leaders and partners in 21 states to transform their public health infrastructures. Prior to coming to the UW the majority of her career was in local public health practice where she worked in Public Health Nursing field services, in management of staff and programs, and as an epidemiologist. Dr. Bekemeier has held significant leadership positions within the American Public Health Association (APHA), the Washington State Public Health Association, and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments and is also an active member of the Washington State Public Health Practice-based Research Network and serves on the Network’s Executive Committee. Her awards include the UW School of Nursing 2009 Award for Excellence in Promoting Diversity through Teaching and the 2009 APHA Executive Director’s Citation.