Amy Helene Schnall

About Amy Helene Schnall

Accomplished leader in disaster epidemiology with almost 20 years of extensive experience driving public health preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Expert in leading high-performing teams to develop and implement data-driven strategies throughout the disaster cycle, including community health assessments and chemical, radiation, and toxicological surveillance. Proven track record in mentoring professionals, fostering strategic partnerships, and building cross-functional collaborations that enhance national and global public health resilience. Successfully led key initiatives such as CASPER, NCRSP, and disaster epidemiology training programs, delivering impactful results in high-pressure environments. Leadership style blends visionary strategy with hands-on guidance, committed to strengthening public health systems and disaster readiness through innovative, evidence-based approaches. Recognized for building strong teams and partnerships that drive meaningful change in disaster preparedness and response.

Experience

1. Chief, Disaster Epidemiology Unit

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

   Jul 2020 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   As Chief of the Disaster Epidemiology Unit, led critical national programs to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to natural, human-induced, and nuc/rad incidents. Managed a team of professionals, including medical toxicologists, epidemiologists, and data analysts, fostering a high-performance and collaborative environment. Directed key initiatives, including providing technical assistance for rapid community health assessments through the CASPER and RNA programs, overseeing chemical and radiation surveillance efforts with the National Chemical Radiation Surveillance Program (NCRSP), and leading the Epi/Surv Task Force, ensuring timely response and resource deployment under high-pressure situations. Developed and led a CDC\'s disaster epidemiology training program, empowering public health professionals domestically and internationally.Built strategic partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross and America’s Poison Centers, secured essential funding, and provided on-the-ground leadership during disaster responses. Focused on evidence-based decision-making, fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective service delivery

Education

• Georgia State University

  DrPH, Public Health Leadership

• Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University

  Master of Public Health - MPH, Behavioral Science and Health Education

• Princeton University

  Bachelor's degree, Sociology and African American Studies

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  Certificate in Field Epidemiology, Epidemiology

  2009 — 2010

Skills

• Public Health
• Literature Reviews
• Data Analysis
• Program Management
• Program Development
• Adolescents
• Proposal Writing
• Teaching
• Health Education
• Microsoft Office
• Health Promotion
• Grant Writing
• Microsoft Word
• Environmental Health
• Research
• Qualitative Research
• Editing
• Powerpoint
• Prevention
• Youth Development
• Epidemiology
• Analysis
• Public Speaking