Mel Knight, R.E.H.S.

In June of 2008, Mel Knight will become 2nd Vice-President of the National Environmental Health Association and he will assume the NEHA Presidency in 2011. Mel was the only candidate nominated through NEHA's established process which concluded at the 2007 NEHA AEC in Atlantic City. Mel has co-chaired the NEHA Leadership Development Section for the past several years, and his priorities for NEHA's future direction include workforce development, advocacy for heightened recognition of environmental health practitioners, and increased awareness of international environmental health issues.

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Mel recently retired as Director, Environmental Management Department, County of Sacramento, in Sacramento, California. He also held the positions of Director of Environmental Health and Deputy Health Officer. Mel is currently providing consultative services to Sacramento County and the State of California.

Mel has amassed an extraordinary record of accomplishment in his more than 37 years of professional environmental health service at both State and local governmental agencies. His professionalism and individual achievements are exemplified by his devotion and leadership in the field, serving as Chair, President, Board member and founding member to a wide range of public and environmental health organizations.

Mel's early career included work at the California State Health Department in cancer epidemiology, vector control and child lead poisoning prevention where he was responsible for developing many field protocols and technical innovations, many still in use today. Mel began his County environmental health service as a District Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist. As his career advanced, he transitioned to management and administrative assignments including supervisor, consultant, manager and director. Prior to retirement, Mel served as the department head and director of a comprehensive environmental agency with a staff of nearly one hundred and fifty and a fifteen million dollar budget.

Mel has an extensive record of service to NEHA, NEHA affiliates and other professional organizations as well. A NEHA member since 1972, Mel has served as a chapter president on three occasions, California State affiliate President, NCLEHA affiliate Chair twice, as well as chairing two NEHA technical sections, where he is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Leadership Development Section. He has moderated or presented at numerous NEHA and affiliate Annual Conferences, and sat on one or more Boards or committees continuously since beginning his career.

In California, Mel has also been an active participant in the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH), assuming leadership roles as President and chair of multiple policy committees. As a representative of CCDEH and NCLEHA, he has been a part of numerous work groups sponsored by CDC, the California State Legislature, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. In addition to his employment and professional activities, Mel has provided extensive volunteer service to the American Lung Association, the United Way and other community based organizations.

Mel has exhibited a commitment to lifelong learning and teaching. Following completion of his undergraduate degree in Health Science, Mel took on extensive graduate study in health administration as well as in environmental and occupational toxicology. He has served on the California State University-Northridge Environmental Health Curriculum Advisory Committee, and he has been recognized for excellence in teaching at the University of California Extension where he has taught for more than two decades. He is a frequent contributor to professional publications, and he finds a way to fill nearly every public speaking request he receives.

Mel resides in Folsom, California with his wife Diane, a retired librarian. They recently traveled to the Azore Islands, where they were students of the Portuguese language and culture. His daughter Melanie is currently a Graduate Student at the University of San Francisco.

Mel's contact information: Mel Knight, REHS, 109 Gold Rock Court, Folsom, CA 95630-1841. Phone/FAX: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]

The National Environmental Health Association elects its leaders through a mail ballot that goes to all active and life members 90 days before the annual conference. Among other things, the ballot features the election for the position of NEHA second vice president. The person elected begins a five-year commitment to NEHA that involves advancing each year to a different national office, eventually to become NEHA's president. This year, NEHA presents one candidate for the second vice president office. (NEHA Second Vice Presidential Candidate Profiles are not edited by NEHA staff.)