Member Spotlight - July, 2026
Jim House
Human Services Program Branch Manager/Workforce Director
Introduction
Jim is an active participant in the Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA) where he creates workforce development opportunities and career pathways for Kentucky’s public health workforce.
Professional Background
Jim has been with KDPH since 2007. During his years with KDPH, he has served as the Exercise Program Coordinator, Emergency Support Function #8 Planning Coordinator, Hospital Preparedness Program Manager, Public Health Preparedness Branch Manager/Public Health Preparedness Director, Mobile Harm Reduction Program Administrator and the Health Program Administrator for the Center for Foundational Health. Currently, he is the Human Services Program Branch Manager/Workforce Director for the Public Health Workforce Readiness Branch responsible for implementing Strategy A1: Workforce through the CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG). As the Workforce Director, Jim leads eight employees who are responsible for the development and implementation of public health career pathway programs for high school students, college students, university students and the current public health workforce. Jim serves as the Chairperson of KDPH’s Public Health Workforce Readiness Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the KPHA Workforce Development Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development with specialization in Education, Training and Development from Southern Illinois University (SIU), Carbondale, IL.
KPHA Involvement
Jim has been an active member of KPHA since 2017. He is currently a KPHA Director and Co-Chair of the KPHA Workforce Development Committee. As the Co-Chair, he develops and implements workforce development initiatives for KPHA members and Kentucky’s public health workforce.
Personal Insights:
I believe public health plays a critical role in helping to ensure the health and wellbeing of our citizens and our communities. The “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative encourages Kentuckians on a personal journey of achieving health and wellness, for which I fully support. We all should make health a priority by eating nutritious meals, staying active and maintaining a healthy life-work balance.
Accomplishments & Recognition
In 2024, the Center for Foundational Health (C4FH) received the KPHA Group Award, which Jim accepted on the C4FH Team’s behalf. Jim and his team have been recognized for their work on public health career pathways and workforce development programs that support the recruiting, hiring, retaining, sustaining and training a response-ready public health workforce for Kentucky.
KPHA & Public Health in the Future
The future of KPHA looks very promising as it continues to address legislative matters and support the personal and professional development of its members. KPHA is dependent upon its leadership team, directors, committee chairs and active members. Through active engagement and collaboration, KPHA will be able to continue the mission of fostering healthy communities by engaging in advocacy, providing education and demonstrating leadership.
The future of public health also looks very promising. Through a workforce development lens, I have seen the successful creation of public health career pathway programs and the strong interest in internships, professional development and higher education, all of which contribute to a stronger and sustainable workforce. This workforce will continue to expand our public health into the future and beyond.
Personal Interests, Hobbies, Future Goals/Aspirations
Jim is an avid fisherman who loves fly fishing for bass and panfish in Elkhorn Creek and trout in Hatchery Creek and the Cumberland River. Jim ties many types of flies and is rewarded when his new designs catch fish, especially big fish. He spends many hours walking and has walked over 10,000,000 steps for a total of 4,386 miles since June 5, 2023.
Advice and Tips
Give thanks in all circumstances and find joy in simple things rather than overcomplicating your life. Eat healthy foods, stay physically active and establish a good “life-work balance”.