Clockwise from upper left: Greg Bocchino, Fitzgerald Young, Meredith Henderson and Rhesia Lewis.
Fitzgerald Young, Meredith Henderson, Rhesia Lewis and Greg Bocchino share what they love about their work and the biggest public health issue they see today.
Fitzgerald Young
Human Resources Team Lead
What most interests you about your job? What interests me most about my job is getting to be part of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps operations running smoothly. I love meeting and collaborating with so many different people across the School. I enjoy watching business strategy evolve into the staffing plan, and it’s rewarding to know that my work plays a role in the School’s overall success.
Even though I work in HR, I feel connected to the Gillings School’s mission because I’m helping create the support system that allows them to focus on what they do best.
How do you unwind? Lately, meditation and long trail walks have become my favorite ways to unwind and unplug.
What do you think is the biggest issue in public health today? There are so many issues in public health, but one of the biggest is the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation. Those false narratives shape people’s health decisions, affect mental well-being and erode trust in public health agencies. It’s an issue that affects every part of the system.
Meredith Henderson
Human Resources Team Lead
What most interests you about your job? What I really enjoy most about my job is supporting the people doing such meaningful work in public health! I often work with faculty in complex roles, and I value being someone they can rely on for clarity and guidance, especially as it relates to the appointments, promotions and tenure process. When I can remove confusion, streamline steps or simply make someone’s experience less stressful, I know I’m helping create the space they need to focus on their research, teaching or service. Even though I work in HR, I feel connected to the Gillings School’s mission because I’m helping create the support system that allows them to focus on what they do best.
How do you unwind? I really try to unwind by getting outside and moving. Running is one of my favorite ways to clear my head — it gives me time to think, reset and decompress. I also love being in nature, whether that’s on a trail or just spending time outdoors. There’s something about fresh air that helps me recharge.
What do you think is the biggest issue in public health today? I’m not a mental health expert, but I see it as one of the biggest public health challenges today. There’s growing demand for support, and access to services isn’t always equal. Mental health also impacts everything — work, school, families, overall well-being — so it’s hard to separate it from other public health issues. In my HR role, I think a big part of supporting faculty and staff is helping create systems and environments that reduce barriers, normalize conversations about well-being and make resources easier to access. Even though I’m not on the research side, I feel like I can contribute by helping the people side of public health work as smoothly and sustainably as possible.
Rhesia Lewis, MSEd
Assistant Director of Operations, Dean’s Office
What most interests you about your job? Gillings has great people and I enjoy working here. So many people here are dedicated to their jobs and keeping the public healthy. For that reason, I enjoy being able to host community-building events that bring faculty and staff together and celebrate their accomplishments.
How do you unwind? I enjoy curling up with my cat, Luna, watching TV or reading a good book. I also enjoy doing diamond painting, puzzles and painting.
What do you think is the biggest issue in public health today? In my view, it’s the growing lack of trust from the general public. It’s disheartening to watch faculty, staff and students dedicate themselves to improving health and building a better world, only to be met with skepticism and distrust.
Greg Bocchino, EdD, MSEd
Senior Executive Director for Career Services and Professional Development
What most interests you about your job? What most interests me about my job is that Career Services sits at the intersection of students, alumni, staff, faculty and employers. You’re constantly connecting people, ideas and opportunities. That cross-collaboration makes the work engaging, meaningful and deeply impactful.
How do you unwind? At the end of each semester, I intentionally build in time to step away and reset. I try to take a trip that helps me fully disconnect and recharge before the next academic semester begins. In December, for example, I spent time in Aruba completely unplugged, on the beach, reading and just slowing down. This June, I’ll be heading to Portugal, which will be a different kind of recharge that is more exploring, great food and experiencing a new place. I’ve realized I need different kinds of breaks at different points in the year.
What do you think is the biggest issue in public health today? From where I sit in the career space, one of the biggest issues in public health right now is workforce sustainability. I’m paying close attention to the job market, the broader economy, burnout and the growing competitiveness facing both early-career professionals and seasoned alumni. We often see headlines about funding instability or workforce cuts, and those are real concerns. But I’m also focused on the long-term picture, what skills are actually in demand, which sectors are hiring, and how we prepare public health professionals to be resilient and adaptable in a changing landscape.
