Elizabeth Holzschuh
40 Under 40 Class of 2021
Olathe, Kansas
Director of Epidemiology
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment
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To make a difference and allow people to live their healthiest lives, we must use epidemiologic data to advance criminal justice, housing, education, and mental health.
Three words to describe me:
determined, compassionate, educator
The best part of my job:
watching young, passionate epidemiologists impact issues that matter to them in ways they never thought possible
Something that would surprise others about me:
I am a massive introvert who doesn't enjoy public speaking, even though it's a predominant part of my job.
Elizabeth Holzschuh is the director of epidemiology at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. During her tenure, Elizabeth has led numerous initiatives that have improved the department’s standing within the community while simultaneously enhancing its understanding of the community’s health status and needs. Â
Utilizing her graduate degree in public health, microbiology, and emerging infectious disease in tandem with her infectious disease epidemiology experience, Elizabeth took charge of Johnson County’s COVID-19 response, implementing case investigation and contact tracing protocols and developing county-wide COVID-19 protocols for businesses and childcare. Elizabeth also served as a trusted source of information throughout the pandemic, participating in media interviews, speaking daily on Facebook Live, and frequently presenting to the Board of County Commissioners and Boards of Education within Johnson County.Â
Elizabeth received a master’s degree with a concentration in public health, microbiology, and emerging infectious disease from the George Washington University. Â
