Chentrell Brown Chentrell Brown grew up in New Orleans, where gatherings were a central part of life—whether for birthdays, holidays, sporting events, or simply bringing people together. Food and fellowship were always at the heart of these moments. As she got older, she observed several close family members experience health challenges, which helped her recognizeContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Chentrell Brown"
OPH Employee Spotlight: Qiju “Elenore” Wang
Qiju "Elenore" Wang After moving to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, Elenore Wang quickly fell in love with the city and its vibrant culture. Today, she serves as the program liaison for multi-year RFP and RFI solicitations, helping to generate award contracts that fund vital services and provide insurance and medication assistance for peopleContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Qiju “Elenore” Wang"
OPH Employee Spotlight: Lori Crow
Lori Crow is a Program Monitor in the Bureau of Community Preparedness (BCP). She began her career as a college instructor, but pivoted into public health with a desire to make a positive impact on people’s health. In her role with the Planning Section at BCP, Lori helps assess risks, implement trainings and exercises, andContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Lori Crow"
OPH Employee Spotlight: Ayana Ussery
Ayana Ussery Ayana Ussery has served as Program Monitor with the Bureau of Planning and Performance (BPP) at the Office of Public Health (OPH) for nearly three years. A Los Angeles native and proud two-time Xavier University of Louisiana graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Public Health. AyanaContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Ayana Ussery"
OPH Employee Spotlight: Brady Barr
Brady Barr I was born and raised in Port Barre, Louisiana. After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in business administration, I moved to Houston, Texas, where I began my career in the retail industry. Over the years, I held a varietyContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Brady Barr"
Colleague Connect
Click to Enroll What is Colleague Connect? Colleague Connect is OPH’s flexible, peer-to-peer networking program that strengthens collaboration across the department, bringing colleagues together to share expertise, explore new perspectives, and build meaningful connections without titles or hierarchies. By joining Colleague Connect, you can: Learn new skills through practical insights and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing SupportContinue reading "Colleague Connect"
OPH Employee Spotlight: Kelly Lanigan
Kelly Lanigan, PhD, MSN, RN I am currently serving as the Regional Nurse Manager (RNM) for Region 4 of the Office of Public Health. In this role, I help to oversee the nursing services offered across the 7 parish health unit locations in our region - Acadia, Vermilion, Iberia, St. Martin, St. Landry, Evangeline, andContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Kelly Lanigan"
OPH Employee Spotlight: Darcie Olexia
Darcie Olexia I am an Environmental Health Scientist Supervisor in the Bureau of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology. I am the Principal Investigator for the CDC-funded Strengthening Environmental Health Capacity in Louisiana grant, which serves private water well owners across the state. I also supervise the Public Health Emergency Response SurveillanceContinue reading "OPH Employee Spotlight: Darcie Olexia"
Growth Mindset: A Key to Learning, Leadership & Team Success
In public health, change is constant — and the ability to adapt, learn, and grow is more valuable than ever. That’s where the growth mindset comes in. A term popularized by Dr. Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning. This is differentContinue reading "Growth Mindset: A Key to Learning, Leadership & Team Success"
OPH Announces Fall 2025 LDI Cohort
Introduction In October 2025, the OPH Leadership Development Institute (LDI) will welcome a new cohort of 12 emerging leaders from the Office of Public Health. In partnership with Success Labs, a renowned Baton Rouge-based consulting and coaching firm, the LDI is designed to equip our future leaders with the essential skills and strategic mindset neededContinue reading "OPH Announces Fall 2025 LDI Cohort"
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