Vanessa Kerry - Director of Global and Climate Policy, Environmental Health

Professional Overview

Vanessa Kerry is a respected leader in the fields of global public health, climate change, and environmental policy. As the Director of Global and Climate Policy at the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, she oversees the development and implementation of evidence-based policies and programs aimed at addressing the critical intersection of climate change, public health, and sustainable development. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, Kerry also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Seed Global Health and a Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Director, Global and Climate Policy, Department of Environmental Health (2024-09-01 to Present)

Provide strategic leadership in shaping global and national policies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change

Oversee the development and implementation of innovative programs that leverage cross-sectoral collaboration to advance sustainable, climate-resilient healthcare systems

Represent the department as a subject matter expert, contributing to high-level discussions and negotiations on climate change and health at international forums

Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization (2023-06-01 to Present)

Serve as a global advocate for integrating climate change considerations into national and international health policies and programs

Collaborate with governments, civil society, and the private sector to mobilize resources and drive collective action on climate change and health

Advise the WHO Director-General on strategies to strengthen the global health sector's readiness and response to climate-related threats

Chief Executive Officer, Seed Global Health (2011-08-01 to Present)

Lead a team of medical and public health professionals in the organization's mission to strengthen health systems and expand access to quality healthcare in underserved communities worldwide

Secure funding and partnerships to scale the organization's impact, reaching over 1 million individuals in 10 countries to date

Advocate for increased investment in global health workforce development and sustainable healthcare infrastructure

Doctor, Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital (2011-07-01 to Present)

Provide exceptional patient care in the hospital's critical care unit, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, compassionate treatment

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement innovative care protocols that improve patient outcomes

Director of Program in Global Public Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital (2021-01-01 to Present)

Oversee the development and implementation of the hospital's global public policy initiatives, focusing on addressing health inequities and promoting sustainable, resilient healthcare systems

Represent the hospital as a thought leader, participating in high-level discussions and contributing to the formulation of global health policies

Past Roles

Director, Program in Global Public Policy and Social Change, Harvard Medical School (2010-07-01 to 2024-09-01)

Established and led a renowned program that advanced research, education, and advocacy on critical global health and social issues

Secured over $20 million in grants and donations to support the program's initiatives, including the launch of several successful pilot projects

Academic Background

Vanessa Kerry holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a recognized leader in her field, having received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Emerging Leader Award from the National Medical Association.

Areas of Expertise

Global health policy and program development

Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the healthcare sector

Sustainable healthcare systems and workforce development

Cross-sectoral collaboration and stakeholder engagement

Strategic leadership and organizational management

Professional Impact

Under Vanessa Kerry's leadership, the Department of Environmental Health has become a global authority on the intersection of climate change and public health. Her team has developed groundbreaking policies and programs that have been adopted by governments and international organizations worldwide, leading to measurable improvements in community resilience and health outcomes.

As the CEO of Seed Global Health, Kerry has overseen the expansion of the organization's reach, enabling the training of over 5,000 healthcare professionals and the delivery of essential services to more than 1 million individuals in 10 countries across Africa and Southeast Asia. Her advocacy for increased investment in global health workforce development has been instrumental in driving policy changes at the national and international levels.