For David Dyjack, DrPH, CIH, every day working as a public health leader looks different.
“My job is divided into many different challenges; every day is different," Dyjack said. "That is why I love public health so much—it is dynamic and evergreen. Some of it is classic public health, some is grant writing, some is administration and some is communication.”
As an environmental public health researcher, Dyjack originally started his career focusing on asbestos and lead. From there, his work expanded to include lead mitigation in schools, critical indoor air quality issues like Legionella, mold exposure, sick building syndrome and various building-related illnesses.
Today, Dyjack serves as the executive director and chief executive officer of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), an organization that supports environmental health professionals in the U.S. and around the world. He also lends his expertise to the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, serving as a member of the advisory committee for the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and as the chair of the education committee of Pitt Public Health’s Partner Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB fulfills an important role in assuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the public health workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“From a national perspective, NEHA and I personally are cheering for Pitt,” said Dyjack. “We will do anything we can to help you leverage your resources so your graduates can go on to do great things.”
Shaping the future curriculum
In his advisory and board positions, Dyjack is focused on the future, the academic enterprise and a high-level review of the school’s curriculum.
“We aren't trying to replicate what someone else has already done,” said Dyjack. “What will society and the public health community need from Pitt graduates? Most importantly, what attributes, skills, and competencies must students master to be successful in their careers? We want to tender the best possible advice to the school's leadership on the future of public health so the curriculum can reflect those trends.”
A shared commitment to public health
Dyjack was invited onto the PAB by Maureen Lichtveld, Dean of Pitt Public Health, a friendship that goes back to the 1990s. As fellow environmental health professionals, their paths have crossed intermittently over the years.
“Maureen’s leadership is incredibly important—not only to Pitt but to the country at large—because she is highly inspirational and carries immense practical experience,” said Dyjack. “I encourage everyone to support her and take full advantage of her leadership.”
Inspiring the next generation
Dyjack delivers about a dozen keynote addresses around the U.S. and abroad every year, focusing on pressing environmental public health issues.
“My goal is to inspire the professionals in attendance to be the best versions of themselves,” he said. “I also offer insights based on my own career. Whether you are a young professional, mid-career, or an established leader, I discuss what you should be thinking about as you enter these different stages of your professional life to be successful.”
About twice a year, Dyjack said that he tries to refresh his core message.
“Lately, my message has been centered around context: how is today the same as it was 200 or 300 years ago, and what can we learn from that history?”
Lichtveld said Dyjack brings a unique combination of technical expertise, leadership experience and vision for the future of public health, as a former Dean of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health and currently in his leadership role at NEHA.
“David has spent his career addressing some of the most pressing environmental health challenges facing communities while also helping shape the future of the profession,” said Lichtveld. “His national perspective and commitment to workforce development make him an invaluable advisor to our school as we prepare the next generation of public health leaders.”
– Ava Dzurenda