Alison Morales Kerr, Director of Community Health at the Florida Department of Health, dedicates her career to aiding others and advancing public health, particularly in Monroe County, Florida. Alison’s interest in the environment and public health led her to major in environmental science for her bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern California, followed by a Master of Public Health at Florida International University, shaping her fulfilling career path.

Alison has spearheaded various public health initiatives, including a partnership with the CDC to conduct a county-wide community assessment on suicide risk amidst higher rates in Monroe County. Additionally, she orchestrated an assessment project focused on Bahama Village, aiding to renovate a park and community center, earning the Prudential Productivity Award for transformative improvements. As the former department spokesperson, Alison managed press releases, interviews, and presentations during health emergencies like Dengue, Zika, Screwworm, Mpox and COVID-19 outbreaks, showcasing her disaster planning proficiency. In Monroe County, she excels in hurricane and emergency preparedness efforts as the department’s Planning Section Chief. In her primary role at the department, she directs the Community Health Division, managing all accreditation efforts, including the Strategic Plan, Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, Performance Management Quality Improvement Plan, and Workforce Development Plan. Additionally, she oversees the minority health program, grant projects, and the injury prevention program.

The youngest president nominated twice by her peers, Alison led the Zonta Club of Key West, dedicated to empowering women in the Florida Keys through advocacy and health improvement projects. Leading multiple endeavors, including the annual Awareness for Breast Cancer (ABC) 5K/10K Run/Walk, she helped to raise funds to offer free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women in the Lower Florida Keys, with over 3,500 beneficiaries to date as the club marks its 32nd year of the event.