Member Spotlight - January, 2026
Dr. Stephanie Lokits, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Director of Clinical Services
Introduction
I currently service as the Director of Clinical Services within the Division of Health Services for Louisville Metro Department for Public Health and Wellness. In this role, I provide high level oversight for multiple departments, including the Immunization Clinic, Specialty Clinic, Regional Tuberculosis Clinic and Communicable Disease Department. My role focuses on big-picture thinking, policy development and strategic planning to improve outcomes for the Louisville community.
Professional Background
I started in the medical field in 1999 when I began training as an EMT. I did this work throughout nursing school. After graduating, I went to work in the ER. Since then, I have done maternal and infant care, mental health, acute retail medicine, employee health and wellness, pediatric primary care and public health. I began my career in Public Health as the Director of Nursing with North Central District Health Department in 2018, then joined Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness in January 2022.
KPHA Involvement
I became a member of the KPHA Board of Directors in 2025, and currently serve as the President-Elect. At the Annual Meeting in March 2026, I will become President of this outstanding organization.
Personal Insights:
My passion lies in preventative medicine with a focus on harm reduction, but not simply through the lens of this relating to substance use, but across the lifespan with all patients and lifestyles.
Accomplishments & Recognition
Graduated from NKU with my MSN in 2009 and with my DNP in 2019.
KPHA & Public Health in the Future
As we are all aware, KPHA is at the forefront of a changing public health landscape. In this time of uncertainty, it is my vision for KPHA to be a source of sound, evidence-based information, support for Public Health Professionals and consistent guidance for community health response to emergencies. In Louisville and throughout our state and nation, I envision a public health system that serves the varying needs of each community and population and respects the dignity of each individual.
Personal Interests, Hobbies, Future Goals/Aspirations
I am a lot of things, but the one I am most proud of is being a Mama to two of the coolest kids I know. Caitlyn is 18 and Zach is 14. They are amazing and so much fun! I'm convinced this is the stage of motherhood I was built for. I have been married to my husband Chris for 19 years - we met in the ER when I was working as a nurse and he as a paramedic. He is currently working for a large metropolitan EMS service in Kentucky. In my spare time, I am a reader of all things - from historical fiction to easy beach reads. If you have a book you love, send the title my way! I am currently reading The House of God by Samuel Shem. I am a huge sports fan – football and basketball are my absolute favorites, but I also coach the dance team at our local high school. We have season tickets for UK basketball and football, and love cheering on our CATS! Our family loves to travel and usually take in a zoo and a distillery or brewery in any new place we go. We also enjoy camping and attending concerts of all types. In my spare time (haha) I also teach Masters level courses at Northern Kentucky University in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. My future goals are not super specific - but certainly involve a beach and some trips to Disney!
Advice & Tips
Keep doing the next right thing.