Kent County has named Teresa Branson as its first Chief Inclusion Officer. The position will oversee all the County’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and identify ways to improve the service to the County's employees and residents.
Branson holds a Master of Health Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University. She brings more than 20 years of experience in public government leadership and public health.
The appointee currently serves as the Deputy Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department and during her tenure with KCHD has worked on several equity initiatives, trainings and programs aimed at reducing health disparities. In addition, Branson serves on the Michigan Community Action Team of the Governor's COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force.
“It is an honor to be selected as the first person filling this role at Kent County,” Branson said in a statement, “I look forward to working with our leadership teams, employees and community partners to build on the work that has already been done and to implement meaningful change that will make County government more responsive in meeting the diverse needs of our employees and community.”
“Inclusive Participation” was one of five strategic priorities identified in the County’s 2019 strategic plan. Over the past several years, the board and administration have invested in programs to increase equity and inclusion in hiring, training and service delivery. This new position oversee this work and more, reporting to the Kent County Administrator, Wayman Britt.
“We are fortunate to have someone as qualified as Teresa serve as our first Chief Inclusion Officer," Britt said, "We elevated this role because we are committed to accelerating our efforts to be an inclusive workforce and to ensure we are being equitable in our service delivery. I am excited for Teresa to fulfill this role and help us expand our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.”
Branson officially steps into the role on May 24.
