OPHA Staff

Executive Director 

Elisabeth Hartner, MPH (she, her, hers)
[email protected]

ELISABETH HARTNER joined Oregon Public Health Association as the Executive Director in Fall of 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Washington University and a Master of Public Health in Global Maternal and Child Health from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Elisabeth has a wide array of experience implementing health initiatives across Oregon, including in rural areas, through her work in early care and education. She has additional experience in local government, where she emphasized building partnerships with underserved communities. She has championed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all of her roles. An outdoor enthusiast, Elisabeth loves to kayak, hike, ride her bicycle, and walk along Oregon’s coastline. She lives in Hood River with her beloved dog, Pancha. 

Program Assistant

Dana Merrill (she, her, hers)
[email protected] 

DANA MERRILL became the Program Assistant for the Oregon Public Health Association in Spring 2020. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Oregon State University.

Dana previously worked in corporate wellness and population health management, focusing on project and program management. She also works as a Freelance writer and a summer park ranger for Clackamas County Parks. Dana is passionate about health equity and access to outdoor recreation. When Dana is not working, she is busy chasing her toddler around and hiking the beautiful Pacific Northwest!