Biographical Data for Kristine A. Smith, M.A.

Before joining the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Science in 2004, Ms. Smith was the department’s Associate Director of Public Affairs.  In her current position, Ms. Smith coordinates risk communication activities related to health emergency preparedness, and provides strategic direction for communication about emerging diseases and priority health projects.

In 2006 and 2007 she served as the NYSDOH representative on the working group for the national Public Engagement Project for Community Control Measures on Pandemic Influenza, and the subsequent Public Engagement Project on Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization. Currently, she is co-chairing the NYSDOH Special Needs Populations Community Engagement Project.

Before entering the field of public health, Ms. Smith was a nationally award-winning television and radio journalist. She has taught public communication courses at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, is a regular guest lecturer at the University at Albany School of Public Health, and serves on the CDC’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Consultation Panel. Smith is also the moderator for the University at Albany Center for Public Health Preparedness Grand Rounds Series, broadcast nationally via satellite.