Shanna Cox
Associate Director of Science Division of Reproductive Health @Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Signup · Get unlimited contacts
WORK HISTORY
Associate Director of Science Division of Reproductive Health @Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Leading national and global efforts to improve maternal and infant health has been both a challenge and a privilege. I guide the design and execution of evidence-based programs, modernize data systems to deliver faster insights, and shape policies that make a real difference in communities. Mentoring a talented team of health scientists and collaborating across federal and public health organizations allows us to create lasting, measurable impact in maternal and infant outcomes.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Managed scientific productivity of $155M+ in federal/donor-funded programs, securing competitive grants, optimizing resource allocation, and achieving measurable results.• Supported the development and evaluation of CDC’s “Hear Her” campaign and quality improvement initiatives in health systems.• Directed CDC Vital Signs on Respectful Maternity Care report, completing survey-to-dissemination in four months, generating 1,747 articles with a potential audience reach of 1B+.• Influenced national health policy/funding decisions via scientific guidance, contributing to congressional reports, legislation, and high-profile initiatives, such as the White House Maternal Health Blueprint and HHS Action Plan.• Represented division in high-visibility forums, delivering briefings to Congress, engaging media outlets, and cultivating partnerships across federal agencies and public health organizations.• Modernized maternal health data systems with automated portals, real-time linkages, and analytics, reducing data release times and cutting costs.• Developed key surveillance and research platforms advancing data interoperability and generating actionable insights for maternal, infant, and reproductive health programs.
EDUCATION
Clark Atlanta University
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (magna cum laude)
Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University
MSPH, Dual Concentration in Epidemiology & Environmental and Occupational Health (summa cum laude)
ABOUT SHANNA COX
Passionate Maternal & Infant Health AdvocateAs an accomplished public health strategist, I lead maternal and infant health initiatives within large health organizations. I specialize in translating research into actionable policies and programs that improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. My work focuses on advancing health equity, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and implementing innovative strategies that make a measurable impact.🧩 Quality Improvement & Public Health Strategy ExpertI bring deep expertise in developing and implementing programs that enhance maternal and infant health outcomes, with a focus on:• Program development and evaluation• Health services research and research translation• Strategic planning and organizational efficiency• Data-driven decision making and performance measurement• Communications strategy and grant writing Driving Impact Through LeadershipI have successfully overseen the scientific direction and output of a maternal and infant health division comprising 150 employees. During my leadership, the division’s budget doubled to $110 million over seven years, while improving program quality, reach, and outcomes. My approach combines strategic vision with operational excellence to ensure sustainable growth and measurable results. Research & Policy TranslationI have authored and edited over 100 publications spanning maternal and infant health, health equity, substance use, and health system improvement. I excel at securing funding for innovative projects and translating complex scientific findings into actionable insights for policymakers and community partners, ensuring programs are evidence-based and impactful.🤝 Consulting & Strategic PartnershipsI provide consulting and contract services in program evaluation, grant writing, and scientific or report editing. I thrive in environments that value interagency collaboration, data-informed strategies, and innovative public health solutions. Let’s Connect!I’m eager to collaborate with public health professionals, researchers, and organizations dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Together, we can implement strategies that make a measurable difference.
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.