Southern Health Association

Burke Receives Special Meritorious Award

Tammy Burke, Director, Clinical Services, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, was presented the SHA Special Meritorious Award at the annual meeting in Franklin, Tennessee. This award honors an individual who has given outstanding and continuous service to, involvement with, and support of the Association.

Tammy was President of SHA in 2008 and has served as the Tennessee Affiliate Representation to the Governing Council of SHA for the past 8 years. In this role she has done an outstanding job of being the liaison that has kept the organizations knitted together for the betterment of Public Health. Tammy has been a member of SHA and the Tennessee Public Health Association for over 15 years and has chaired numerous SHA committees, including Awards, Nominations, Resolutions, and this year she chaired the Exhibits Committee for the joint meeting with Tennessee. She is also a past President of the Tennessee Public Health Association and received their Distinguished Service Award in 2009.

Tammy has helped craft position papers to advance SHA public policy and participated in the development of the organization's strategic plan. She has also recruited much needed sponsors for SHA to help bolster financial support.

Tammy has a strong vision for Public Health and the role a Regional organization like SHA plays in promoting and supporting Public Health in the State. Membership in SHA and participation in SHA meetings and conferences is highly promoted by Tammy. She "walks the walk" as demonstrated by her attendance and participation at SHA events, recruitment of many of her colleagues into SHA, and even takes time to participate in fun and fitness activities, SHA team efforts, and turtle races. SHA is indeed fortunate to have Tammy Burke as a part of our organization and we are proud to recognize her in this special way.