Jeffery Howard, a Bonner Scholar and 2010 graduate of Union College, was appointed to the 2019-2020 class of White House Fellows. The highly regarded White House Fellowship provides professionals from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to engage in public service for one year by serving in various roles in the Federal Government.
About Jeffery Howard
Jeffrey Howard is from Harlan County, Kentucky, and is placed at the Office of the Vice President of the United States. Jeff, a proud native of Appalachia, was appointed as the Commissioner for Public Health and Chief Medical Officer of the Commonwealth of Kentucky by Governor Matt Bevin in 2017. To serve in this role, he took a sabbatical from his position as a senior surgical resident at the University of Louisville, where he focused on a broad spectrum of surgical ailments as well as healthcare policy issues. During his tenure as Commissioner, his primary focus was the opioid crisis, adverse childhood events, and leading a transformation project that will bring financial solvency to the system and emphasize locally determined health priorities.
His recent awards include Louisville Business First’s 20 young leaders, de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 leaders under 40, and Kentucky Public Health Association award for meritorious service. He also has more than 10 peer-reviewed publications including a textbook chapter on the surgeon’s role in the opioid crisis.
Jeff received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Union College in 2010, where he was an academic all-conference athlete, a Bonner Scholar, and AmeriCorps member. He earned his medical degree at the University of Louisville, where he graduated with distinction. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
About the White House Fellows Program
Created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the White House Fellows Program was designed “to give the Fellows first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal Government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” The Fellowship was created as a non-partisan program and has maintained this tradition throughout both Republican and Democratic administrations. The mission of the White House Fellows Program is to encourage active citizenship and service to the Nation. Throughout the year, Fellows actively participate in an education program that expands their knowledge of leadership, policy-making, and contemporary issues. Community service plays a vital role in the program, and Fellows take part in service projects throughout the year.
The highly competitive selection process to become a White House Fellow is based on a record of professional accomplishment, evidence of leadership skills, the potential for further growth, and a commitment to service. Selected individuals spend a year working as a full-time, paid fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials.
To learn more about the alumni of the White House Fellowship program, please visit the White House Fellows Foundation and Association website.