OPHA Staff

Executive Director 

Valerie (Val) Striplin, MPH 
[email protected]

Valerie (Val) Striplin, MPH, serves as the Executive Director of the Oregon Public Health Association. She is passionate about strengthening connections across Oregon’s public health community and creating spaces where collaboration, shared learning, and collective action can thrive.

Her work centers on bringing people and organizations together across sectors to support healthier, more equitable communities. She has partnered with nonprofits, health systems, community organizations, and advocacy groups to advance initiatives related to food systems, health equity, and community well‑being.

Val is deeply committed to community leadership and believes that strong partnerships and engaged communities are essential to building a healthier and more resilient future for Oregon.

Program Associate

Heather Daniel, BFA
[email protected]

Heather Daniel joined the Oregon Public Health Association as a Program Associate in March 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Design with a minor in Art History from the University of Oregon. Heather has a diverse professional background, including teaching English both internationally and in Portland, as well as roles in marketing and communications. As a small business owner, she specializes in graphic design, website creation, company branding, photography, and custom artwork. Heather is passionate about social justice and integrating the arts and creativity into education and everyday life. She loves traveling, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends, and savoring exceptional coffee.