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Announcing the Inaugural Immunize Minnesota Steering Committee

  • Writer: Immunize Minnesota
    Immunize Minnesota
  • 15 hours ago
  • 2 min read

We are thrilled to officially introduce the inaugural Immunize Minnesota Steering Committee. This exceptional group of leaders, advocates, and clinical experts brings together a diverse range of sectors to guide our coalition's mission, dismantle barriers to vaccine access, and champion vaccine equity across Minnesota.


Please join us in welcoming our new steering committee members:


Community-Based Organizations & Patient Advocacy

  • Karen Ernst (Voices for Vaccines): A veteran advocate specializing in grassroots community mobilization, national immunization networks, and legislative lobby days.

  • Jenny Oliphant (Independent Researcher & Walden University): A behavioral epidemiology expert focused on training non-traditional providers—such as the oral health workforce—to deliver effective HPV vaccine communication.

  • Caleb Schultz (Individual/Family Representative): A physician, public health advocate, and individual living with a medical disability who brings foundational continuity and a personal dedication to protecting at-risk populations.


Governmental & Public Health Infrastructure

  • Marie Maslowski (Hennepin County Public Health): Former Co-chair of the NACCHO Immunization Workgroup; experienced in managing mobile immunization clinics and local government outreach.

  • Holly Blilie (Polk County Public Health): Over 20 years of nursing expertise, currently overseeing Disease Prevention and Control and Immunization Coordination at Polk County Public Health, and a member of the MPHA Governing Council.

  • Becky Neudecker (Minnesota Department of Health - Technical Advisor/Non-voting): Experienced coalition-builder and former director of MDH's COVID-19 Public Hotline, serving as our vital bridge to state-level resources and subject matter expertise from the MDH Immunization Program.


Healthcare Systems & Clinical Practice

  • Munira Maalimisaq (Inspire Change Clinic): CEO and Nurse Practitioner specializing in executing vaccine confidence campaigns, countering misinformation, and building trusted relationships with underserved communities.

  • Dr. Robert Jacobson (Mayo Clinic): Pediatrician and Medical Director for Mayo Clinic's primary care immunization program, bringing decades of academic, clinical, and publishing authority.


Health Plans & Professional Associations

  • Patty Graham (HealthPartners): A 30-year public health veteran who specializes in coordinating joint initiatives across Medicaid health plans to break down healthcare silos.

  • Jeff Bauer (Minnesota Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics): Executive Director of MNAAP, connecting the coalition to nearly 1,000 pediatricians and bringing extensive experience managing national AAP grants.

  • Ann Philbrick (University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy): Frontline clinical pharmacist and educator who has trained pharmacy professionals in immunization delivery since 2010.

  • Merry Grande (Minnesota Public Health Association): Executive Director of MPHA, bringing a steadfast commitment to collaborative public health initiatives that advance community health and inclusion.


The committee will meet in July to define coalition membership and prepare for a full launch in August, coinciding with National Immunization Awareness Month. For more on Immunize Minnesota and to sign up for updates, please visit immunizemn.org or email immunizemn@mpha.net.

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