Dr. Tracey Smith is joining the Illinois Public Health Association, 500 W. Monroe, as director of programs and community health, effective Oct. 1. Smith comes to IPHA with a wealth of experience, having most recently served as director of family medicine population health and community outreach and executive director of the Office of Community Initiatives and Complex Care at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Smith said, “I will be continuing my work at IPHA in Springfield and advocating for this kind of work on a state level.” She has a doctorate in nursing with a focus on public health and worked for SIU for 24 years.

Executive Director Tom Hughes said, “Having a person on the IPHA staff with her education, background and experience will serve our members very well and elevate our ability as an association to continue to provide outstanding leadership in public health in Illinois.”

Springfield Business Journal recognized Smith in 2017 with the Women of Influence award.