YOUR ASSOCIATION
NEHA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Samantha (Sam) Russell, REHS Skagit County Public Health, Washington
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is shin- ing a spotlight on the people within our membership through this feature in the Journal . This month we are pleased to introduce you to Samantha (Sam) Russell, environmental health specialist II at Skagit County Public Health in Washington. She has been in the environmental health profession for more than 9 years. Sam works in the onsite sewage program, which includes sys- tem permitting, soil evaluations, installation inspections, property owner notifications of necessary repairs and correcting issues, and complaint investigations. Further, she manages the department’s cyanobacteria monitoring and shellfish biotoxin programs. Why did you join NEHA and what aspects of membership have you found most valuable to your career? I joined NEHA in 2018 to gain access to training resources and a network of professionals while studying for the REHS exam. I find so much value in the webinars and trainings oered by NEHA. The online Community platform has been handy in getting con- text on how other local health jurisdictions experience or solve common (or uncommon) issues. As my role in my local health department has evolved, it has been invaluable to have a resource such as NEHA with a stockpile of trainings and information that cover the breadth of environmental health topics. Why did you choose the environmental health field? I think the environmental health field chose me! Truthfully, I did not know this option existed until I was hired into the role. My background is a combination of science and science education. Environmental health is the perfect combination for me of scien- tific investigatory work—synthesizing that information in context and in situ—and creating real-life workable solutions for people. It is a perfect combo (for me) of technical expertise and research with practical hands-on applications that impact the well-being and functionality of our communities. If you weren’t an environmental health professional, what other profession would you like to work in? This is a tough question because there are about a million things I’d love to do for a while. The dynamic nature of environmental health is what has kept me in the profession for so long—it is con- stantly evolving and changing. There is always something new to learn or someone new to connect or collaborate with. That being
said and if the opportunity presented itself, I would love to be a photojournalist or would love to work with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on their WASH (water, sani- tation, and hygiene) programs. Describe any hobbies, activities, or causes you are passionate about. I am an avid outdoorsperson. I love taking my dog camping, back- packing, hiking, kayaking, and foraging throughout Washington State and beyond. I like to create art in various mediums such as photography, painting, and DIY. I am passionate about the Salish Sea and climate change, environmental conservation, and resource management. I love learning about the flora and fauna of the places I travel to. What accomplishment are you most proud of? My 3 years as a Peace Corps volunteer in integrated environmental resource management. I think back on that time as a crucial foun- dation for my love of environmental health—without even real- izing it was setting that stage. I am proud of learning a new lan- guage, creating sustained relationships, finding creative solutions, and finding a home in a community thousands of miles away from my own. The motto for the Peace Corps—“The toughest job you’ll ever love”—couldn’t be more correct. Working in environmental health replicates a small piece of that desire for community care and improvement. What was the best professional advice given to you? Meet people where they are. I’ve heard this saying in dierent itera- tions over the years, but it has been a guiding principle. I’ve spent my life in public service roles and being able to take a step back, assess the situation, and connect someone with resources to meet them at the place they are at has been invaluable. Find your rockstars. Find the people who live in the aected community that are engaged or enraged. Both emotions can get you to a better place. We don’t have the time or capacity to do everything that is on our wish list of protecting public health. By connecting with and supporting community members who live, work, and recreate in those spaces, we can have our fingers on the pulse points and tweak our trajectory toward progress.
We thank Sam Russell for sharing with us!
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Volume 87 • Number 5
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