Honoring Two Pillars of Public Health Leadership: Dr. Paul Erwin and Dr. Peggy Honoré
As we step into a new year, we pause to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of two esteemed members of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice (JPHMP) Editorial Board who retired from their positions effective January 1, 2026: Dr. Paul Campbell Erwin and Dr. Peggy A. Honoré. Their leadership, scholarship, and unwavering commitment have shaped not only this journal but the broader field of public health.
A Legacy of Vision: Dr. Paul Erwin
Dr. Paul Erwin’s career exemplifies the transformative power of public health leadership. Serving as Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Erwin brought decades of experience to the Editorial Board. His academic journey—from earning his medical degree at UAB to completing a Doctor of Public Health degree—reflects a lifelong dedication to improving population health through evidence-based practice and policy.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Erwin championed rigorous research and practical solutions for complex health challenges. His voice has been instrumental in guiding JPHMP’s mission to bridge science and practice. Whether through thought-provoking commentaries or strategic insights, he consistently reminded us that public health is not just a profession—it is a calling rooted in equity, compassion, and accountability.
Dr. Erwin’s leadership extended beyond the pages of the journal. He mentored emerging scholars, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocated for transparency in public health decision making. His ability to balance visionary thinking with pragmatic action has left an indelible mark on our editorial processes and the quality of content we deliver to practitioners worldwide.
Dr. Erwin’s influence spans:
- Public health systems & services: Advancing performance, governance, and evidence-based management.
- Community health & prevention: Promoting prevention-first approaches and long-term partnerships.
- Leadership development: Building capacity through mentorship and pipeline programs.
His philosophy—service-oriented leadership, humility in evidence use, and collaboration—has created lasting change. From rural clinical aspirations to national leadership, Dr. Erwin’s career reflects a commitment to system-level change and practice-ready scholarship.
A Pioneer of Public Health Finance: Dr. Peggy Honoré
Equally impactful is the legacy of Dr. Peggy A. Honoré, the AmeriHealth Caritas – General Russel Honoré Endowed Professor at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health. Dr. Honoré’s expertise in health policy and systems management brought a critical lens to the Editorial Board, ensuring that issues of equity, financing, and governance remained central to our discourse.
Her groundbreaking work in public health finance has influenced national conversations on resource allocation and sustainability. Dr. Honoré understood that robust financing structures are the backbone of effective public health systems—and she tirelessly advanced frameworks to strengthen them. Her scholarship illuminated pathways for addressing disparities and building resilient infrastructures that serve all communities. Through federal leadership roles and academic scholarship, she developed frameworks that guide funding adequacy, accountability, and policy integration—always with an emphasis on underserved communities.
Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Honoré exemplified servant leadership. She approached editorial responsibilities with humility and purpose, always asking how our work could better serve practitioners on the front lines. Her insights enriched countless manuscripts, elevating the journal’s role as a trusted resource for evidence-based management strategies.
A few of Dr. Honoré’s many contributions include:
- Defining public health finance: Establishing standards and tools for budgeting and resource planning.
- Policy influence: Informing federal and state strategies for sustainable systems.
- Mentorship: Preparing future leaders to navigate the complexities of health financing.
Her approach—collaborative, equity-driven, and practical—has strengthened the foundation of public health systems nationwide.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
Together, Dr. Erwin and Dr. Honoré embodied the values that define JPHMP: integrity, innovation, and impact. Their contributions were not confined to technical expertise; they brought heart and humanity to every discussion. In an era marked by rapid change—pandemics, technological disruption, and evolving health systems—they provided steady guidance rooted in decades of experience.
Their departure marks the end of an era, but their influence endures. The frameworks they championed, the mentorship they offered, and the standards they upheld will continue to shape our editorial vision for years to come.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we bid farewell to these distinguished leaders, we extend our deepest gratitude for their service. Dr. Erwin and Dr. Honoré have set a high bar for excellence—one that inspires us to carry forward their commitment to advancing public health practice through rigorous scholarship and meaningful dialogue.
On behalf of the entire JPHMP community, thank you, Dr. Erwin and Dr. Honoré, for your extraordinary contributions. Your work has strengthened the foundation of public health and illuminated a path toward a healthier, more equitable future.
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