Michael Zelek

Michael Zelek has over a decade of experience in the public health sector. Michael started as a Health and Nutrition Specialist with the Fabretto Children's Foundation, where they became passionate about improving access to basic necessities. Michael then worked as a Research Intern for Freedom from Hunger, conducting health needs assessments and making recommendations for microfinance clients. From 2010 to 2012, they served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the North Carolina Institute for Public Health, where they focused on program evaluation and data analysis. In 2012, Zelek joined the North Carolina Division of Public Health as a Public Health Program Consultant. Currently, they are employed at the Chatham County Public Health Department, where they have held various roles including Social Research Associate/Public Information Officer, Health Promotion and Policy Division Director, and Public Health Director. Michael'sresponsibilities include leading monitoring and evaluation projects, overseeing the community health assessment process, and working towards public health innovation.

Michael Zelek earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies/German from Northwestern University, where they attended from 2003 to 2007. Michael later pursued higher education and completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a focus in Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This degree was obtained from 2010 to 2012.