Juliann Van Liew
40 Under 40 Class of 2021
Kansas City, Kansas
Director
Unified Government Public Health Department, Wyandotte County, Kansas
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I found my true home when I entered the world of local governmental public health and realized the power of what can be achieved when local government works in concert with the community.
Three words to describe me:
persistent, strategic, passionate
The best part of my job:
I get to touch all facets of public health, from our COVID response to violence prevention to housing to health education.
Something that would surprise others about me:
I enjoy lifting weights almost as much as I enjoy baking pastries.
As the director of the Unified Government Public Health Department in Wyandotte County, Kansas, Juliann Van Liew helps to bring about change and empower people in her community to live healthier lives. Year after year, Wyandotte is ranked as one of the least healthy counties in Kansas, with residents experiencing high levels of poverty, housing insecurity, chronic disease, violence, and systemic disinvestment. During her tenure, Juliann has helped the department face these challenges and the public health demands of the 21st century by prioritizing quality improvement, performance management, workforce development, and accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Juliann and her team were influential in publishing and implementing a five-year Community Health Improvement Plan aimed at addressing health access issues, jobs and education, safe and affordable housing, and violence prevention. Â
Juliann received an MPH from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and a BA in international relations and political science from Drake University. Â
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