Biography:

Russell Toal, MPH, has more than 30 years of experience in health administration, health policy and delivery of health services, and is the current President of the Georgia Public Health Association. He has served as CEO of the Georgia Cancer Coalition (the state’s cancer initiative) and as President/CEO of Georgia1st, a statewide network of hospitals and physicians organized to deliver quality care to employers and insurers. He has served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health and its predecessor organization, the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance. He has been affiliated with the teaching and health missions of Emory University, the University of North Carolina’s School of Public Health, and Georgia State University’s Institute of Public Health. Prior work experiences included the U.S. Public Health Service, the Georgia State Senate, the CDC, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and numerous primary care efforts.