Biography
Donna Walsh recently returned to public health in March 2025 as a senior health services analyst and community chief health strategist for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County after serving as the President and CEO of Shepherd's Hope from 2023-25 since retiring as the health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County. She is a proven leader and community liaison recognized for her public health and community service expertise, participating on multiple boards and committees. Donna is a formally trained nurse and epidemiologist who has worked in public health for over 35 years and has held leadership positions with the Florida Department of Health for over 18 years. She graduated from the University of Central Florida Nursing Program in 1986 and received her master's in public administration from the same university in 2008.
Donna is recognized for establishing strategic partnerships and creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of communities. She has co-authored several academic publications and presented on public health topics in professional and community forums. Donna was instrumental in completing the Florida Department of Health accreditation application requirements to the National Public Health Accreditation Board for Seminole County. She facilitated the completion of the county's Community Health Assessments and Improvement Plans. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County named Donna the Learning Partner for the Kresge Foundation Emerging Leaders in Public Health award 2015. She received the 2015 Public Service Excellence Award, 2017 Alumni Achievement Award, and 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Central Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and the University of Central Florida School of Public Administration. She was also accepted into the National Association of County and City Health Officials Adaptive Leadership Academy in 2022. She received the 2021 Community True Champion Award from True Health and the 2023 Leadership Seminole Leadership Legends Award.