I've dedicated my entire career to the advancement of local public health and incorporating health equity into our practice.
Three words to describe me:
creative, passionate, analytical
The best part of my job:
Working with a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and partners on improving public health
Something that would surprise others about me:
I have fun using my research, strategic, QI, and organizational skills to plan trips to Disney parks, and I've become a pro at maximizing efficiency and minimizing wait times :)
Deanna is a fierce advocate for local public health and a respected leader and changemaker. Serving as Director of Health at the Norwalk Health Department and Immediate Past President of the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health, she prioritizes equity, builds a sustainable infrastructure, and fosters a culture of quality and innovation. As accreditation coordinator, she led Norwalk to become the first accredited local health department in New England. As health director, she spearheaded Norwalk’s reorganization and growth to include permanent positions dedicated to accreditation, health equity, and epidemiology and informatics.
Deanna has enhanced state and local partnerships and improved the Connecticut public health system. She was honored in 2021 with a Connecticut SHero Award in recognition of her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from New York University and an MPH from the University of Connecticut.
