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�山���� alumna combines nursing, public policy to lead KY Health Foundation

By Rachel Adkins
August 7, 2026

Most graduates go through the college-to-career process starting with their associate degree, but others—like Allison Adams—take a step back to keep moving forward.

Before she enrolled at �山����, Adams had already completed a Bachelor of Science from Marietta College and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University (NKU).

After entering public administration in the healthcare industry, she found herself eager to expand her knowledge of the roles that interact with patients most.

That’s when she enrolled at �山����—looking to explore available pathways and, eventually, apply to the Registered Nursing (RN) program.

Around that same time, Adams was offered a position as a Community/Public Health Educator at the Buffalo Trace District Health Department (BTDHD) in Maysville.

In 2008, she transitioned into the role of executive director at the organization, where she began to consider how policies affect health outcomes and circumstances.

Adams wanted to understand how the two sides of the healthcare industry connect—leading her to revisit her attendance at �山����.

“It was a perfect fit for me to learn public health and health education,” Adams remarked. “As much as there is space in public health, healthcare alone is still the leader of the pack in advocacy. I believed, and still do, that if I went back to school and got a healthcare degree with RN behind my name, I could converge the policy and health together.”

She recognized that having a nursing degree while working in public health administration improved her policy work and opened the door to be a better health advocate at the state and local level.

While working full-time at BTDHD, Adams completed her Associate in Applied Science with �山���� in 2016. She recalled feeling privileged to experience the nursing aspect of healthcare, especially given her status as a non-traditional student.

Her passion for nursing extended beyond the walls of BTDHD to the Kentucky Health Department Association, where she served as president and completed advocacy work.

There, she was noticed by the CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky—who recruited her as the Vice President for Program and Policy before she stepped into the role of Chief Operations Officer.

Now, Adams serves as President and CEO for the company, working closely with the organization’s governing board to shape its strategic direction.

“It is an honor to serve in this role, especially with a nursing background. Improving Kentucky’s health outcomes requires a strong public health approach that is grounded in the realities of healthcare delivery and the everyday experiences of the people we serve,” Adams remarked.

According to Adams, the organization’s success relies heavily on having a broad perspective and recognizing that Kentuckians face a wide range of unmet health needs.

“Addressing those needs requires more than simply improving access to healthcare. Lasting change comes from combining sound policy, strategic investments, and community partnerships to create conditions that support good health,” she said. “Equally important is empowering Kentuckians to embrace those opportunities and make healthy choices.”

Since entering her field, Adams has received several awards and honors. These include Kentucky Colonel Director of the Year Award, Kentucky Health Department Association Trailblazer Award, Kentucky Health Department Association Helen B. Fraser Maternal & Child Health Award, Kentucky Public Health Association Advocate of the Year, Kentucky Center for Smokefree Policy Health Initiatives Volunteer of the Year, American Cancer Society Mid-South Division KY Public Health Commissioner Award for Quality Improvement, and Outstanding Northern Kentucky University MPA Student.

She discussed how the skills and experience gained as an �山���� student have benefited her in the workforce.

“My time at �山���� allowed me to reconnect with the learning process. I try to approach each day with an open mind and a willingness to learn something new,” Adams said. “Although �山���� was the last stop in my educational journey, it gave me many “aha” moments that have influenced the advice I give my own children and the people I mentor.”

Some of the lessons she referenced include knowing the importance of quality education at an affordable cost, staying close to home, and having the flexibility to work while earning a degree, which could be done at �山����.

“I also valued the personal connections I built with classmates, knowing that many of us would continue to cross paths professionally because we were learning and living in the same community,” Adams said.

She noted the importance of having a support system when enrolled in postsecondary education.

“No one achieves success entirely on their own,” she said. “I will always be grateful for the love, support, and belief in me from my parents, children, and their father. Their patience, encouragement, and sacrifices made my journey possible.”

According to Adams, both encouragement and challenges and setbacks played a vital role in motivating her to push forward.

“I would like to challenge my fellow Kentuckians to be enthusiastic supporters of students, especially those who are striving to become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Be bold in encouraging others and always choose kindness and support. You may have a greater impact than you will ever know,” she said.