New Staff Feature: Suzanne Martin Joins the NCOHC
In May, Suzanne Martin joined the Foundation as the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the NC Oral Health Collaborative (NCOHC). In her position, she strives to achieve oral health equity for all North Carolinians through network building and systems change with stakeholder groups statewide. She will oversee the implementation of a comprehensive communications campaign that will include: broad dissemination of the Portrait of Oral Health, Innovations Bank, NC Oral Health Agenda, and culturally appropriate health messages. With extensive experience in program management, evaluation, and nonprofit administration, Suzanne brings both knowledge and passion for affecting greater change in oral health across NC. We asked Suzanne a few questions to get to know her better.
Q: Where are you from and how did you end up in North Carolina?
I’m originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, but spent most of my early life in Smyrna, Georgia. After finishing high school, my dad got a job promotion so I moved with him to Raleigh, North Carolina and have stayed ever since.
Q: What drew you to the Foundation?
When I first came across The Foundation and NCOHC, I appreciated their commitment to public health equity. I also loved the idea that I would get to work with people who are as passionate as me about providing meaningful service to strengthen our communities across NC.
Q: What types of organizations have you worked for in the past?
Prior to joining the NCOHC, I worked for several different types of organizations. Most recently I worked for the American Cancer Society as the program manager for National Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Roundtable. Prior to that, I have experience working in non-profit administration for organizations like HopeLine, Inc. (a crisis and suicide prevention nonprofit) and Stop Hunger Now (an international food aid nonprofit) and in higher education, as a social work instructor, an academic advisor and an equal opportunity and diversity trainer for North Carolina State University.
Q: What are you most excited for in this position?
I am most excited about the opportunity to use all of my skills and abilities to strengthen and grow the NCOHC’s network as well as advocate for systematic change to meet the oral health needs for all North Carolinians.
Q: What do you like to do for fun/in your free time?
I enjoy gardening, co-leading my daughter’s girl scout troop, lifting weights, and crocheting.