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Prevention Action Alliance (PAA) Board of Directors Elects Christopher Cugini, MPH as Member

Board of Directors Adds Member, Elects Executive Committee During Annual Meeting

[Columbus, October 10, 2023] – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prevention Action Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health wellness, is pleased to announce the election of Christopher L. Cugini, MPH, to its Board of Directors at its annual meeting in August.

Mr. Cugini brings a wealth of public health communications expertise to the Board of Directors. He received a Master’s of Public Health from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science from the University of Mount Union.  He currently serves as the Program Management Consultant for the Department of Commerce, Office of Acquisition Management for OMNI Consulting Solutions, and is an Adjunct Professor at Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences focusing on population health and public health communication. Previously, Mr. Cugini worked for the Stark County Health Department, leading multiple community campaigns around substance misuse, women’s health, and vaccines.  Mr. Cugini has been awarded the Vision Award for Excellence in Health Policy by the American Public Health Association and recently won a 40 under 40 in Public Health Catalyst Award from the Boston Congress of Public Health.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Cugini to our Board of Directors,” said Fran Gerbig, Executive Director of Prevention Action Alliance. “I had the privilege of working with Chris while serving in Stark County. His passion and drive to help vulnerable communities made him stand out as an advocate for those most at risk of substance misuse and mental health challenges.  His unique perspective, experience, and communication skills will be invaluable as we work together to address the challenges of substance use and promote mental health wellness.”

In addition to the new board member appointment, Prevention Action Alliance is proud to announce a new slate of officers elected to the Executive Committee at the organization’s Annual Meeting. The officers will be crucial in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and initiatives.

The newly elected officers of Prevention Action Alliance’s Executive Committee are as follows:

  • David A. Bell, Esq., President
  • Michael J. Evans, President-Elect
  • Bobbie O’Keefe Esq., Past President
  • Dalon Myricks, Treasurer
  • George “Pat” Willis, Secretary
  • Kyle Clark, Member-At-Large
  • Gregg Pieples, Member-At-Large

“We are excited about the leadership our newly elected officers will bring to the organization,” said David Bell, Board President of Prevention Action Alliance. “Their dedication and commitment to our mission will help us continue to make a significant impact in the fight against substance misuse.”

Prevention Action Alliance is committed to reducing the harm caused by substance misuse through education, advocacy, and collaboration with individuals and organizations across Ohio. With the addition of Christopher Cugini to the Board of Directors and the newly elected officers, the organization remains poised to support the health and wellness of all Ohioans.

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About Prevention Action Alliance

Prevention Action Alliance is a non-profit organization leading healthy communities in preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health wellness. Programs and initiatives include Campus Cents, The G.A.P. Network, Know! Prevention Tips, the Ohio College Initiative to Enhance Student Wellness, the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network, SMART Bet, and the Statewide Prevention Coalition Association. For more information on Prevention Action Alliance, please visit www.preventionactionalliance.org.