The University of Iowa College of Public Health is recognizing four leaders whose contributions across a range of disciplines are helping to promote better health and prevent disease throughout the state of Iowa.

The 2015 Iowa Public Health Heroes Awards were presented to Russell Currier, DVM, MPH, of Clive, Iowa, executive vice president of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; Gerald Edgar of Garner, Iowa, environmental health and safety officer for Mitas Tires North America; Jeneane Moody, MPH, of Des Moines, Iowa, executive director of the Iowa Public Health Association; and Jodi Tomlonvic, MPA, of Des Moines, Iowa, executive director of the Family Planning Council of Iowa.

The award recipients, who were nominated by their peers in the Iowa public health practice community, were honored at the 16th Annual Iowa Public Health Practice Colloquium, “Envisioning Public Health and Primary Care in 2030: Exploring Strategies to Create Successful Futures Together.” The colloquium was held Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Iowa City.

College of Public Health Dean Sue Curry said the annual Iowa Public Health Heroes Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of Iowa’s public health practitioners and recognize individuals from diverse career paths who have worked to improve health and wellness throughout Iowa.

“All Iowans benefit from the efforts of these outstanding individuals,” says Curry. “They are tireless and effective champions of public health who are dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility, preventing injuries, safeguarding against disease, and advocating for effective health policies for all Iowans.”

Additional information about the 2015 Iowa Public Health Heroes Award recipients follows.

Dr. Russell Currier’s career has spanned advocacy, research, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion. As the executive vice president of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he is responsible for credentialing veterinarians in public health, preventive medicine, and epidemiology. During Dr. Currier’s 29-year tenure in the Iowa Department of Public Health, he pioneered Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Planning, traveling the state to deliver technical assistance on community health needs assessment and prevention initiatives at a time when public health was primarily focused on home care and clinical-related activities.

Gerald Edgar is responsible for the environmental health and safety (EH &S) functions at Mitas Tires North America, a tire manufacturing company in Charles City, Iowa, with 175 employees. When the plant opened in 2012, Edgar created and implemented all of the EH & S programs, training, and monitoring systems. Mitas has received Iowa-Illinois Safety Council Safety Awards for three consecutive years. Edgar is a committed volunteer and has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Hancock County Red Cross, the Iowa Board of Podiatry and Prosthetics, and the Charles City Area Safety Group.

Jeneane Moody leads the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) with energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to collaboration that strengthens public health in all corners of the state. She has created many effective coalitions and collaborations and has engaged IPHA with other groups to promote fluoridation efforts, safeguard Iowa’s milk supply, enhance public health accreditation efforts, and incorporate health goals into sectors such as urban and regional planning, transportation, recreation, real estate development, and many others.

Jodi Tomlonovic has been the executive director of the Family Planning Council of Iowa for 30 years and has been recognized at the state, regional, and national level for her vision and leadership. She has served on the board of directors for both the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and the Family Planning Council of America, serving as president of the latter. In addition, she has served on numerous national and state level committees, taskforces, and workgroups related to family planning and health care services. She has been recognized for her advocacy efforts on numerous occasions, twice receiving the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Advocacy and Public Affairs Award.