Keeley White, director of community health programs at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, has been recognized as one of the country’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health in recognition of her work.
The de Beaumont Foundation announced its Class of 2023 after reviewing nominations from hundreds of professionals working to benefit state or local public health across the United States.
“The professionals chosen for the 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2023 demonstrate the determination, commitment, innovation and resilience of the public health field,” said Brian C. Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, which launched the program in 2019. “Their work is strengthening communities and improving lives, and I look forward to following their careers and learning from them.”
White said, “This is such an honor, especially to be included among such notable professionals from across the country. I count myself extremely fortunate to work with a truly exceptional team and network of partners that are dedicated to a collective effort to alleviate food insecurity in Oklahoma.”
White, an Oklahoma native, joined the Regional Food Bank staff in 2014 and has worked with a variety of populations experiencing food insecurity through mobile, school-based and older adult-focused programs. Since 2018, she has led a team committed to innovative, evidence-based initiatives through community and health system partnerships, policy development to expand nutrition security and improving access through impactful programming. In addition to her work in Oklahoma, White also has a long history of global public health experience, partnering primarily with organizations in Haiti, Rwanda and Tanzania. White holds a bachelor of science degree in nutrition, dietetics and food management, as well as a master of public health from the University of Central Oklahoma.
“Keeley is an asset for the organization and the communities we serve,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer, Regional Food Bank. “We are all so proud of Keeley and this great recognition that is so richly deserved.”
In addition to White, the program’s honorees include epidemiologists, program managers, researchers and policy analysts in state, local and territorial health departments; colleges and universities; nonprofit organizations and the private sector from across the country. The class was selected by a distinguished panel of public health professionals for their leadership and impact on their community’s health.
