Executive Director
Kelsey Keel, PhD, MPH
Director
Dr. Keel received her Bachelor of Science degree from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and International Studies. She went on to receive her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. She later returned and earned her PhD in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Dr. Keel is proud to have recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary serving as Executive Director of Let’s Go! Gulf Coast and looks forward to the continued progress and evolution moving forward!
Since moving to South Mississippi over a decade ago, I have been overwhelmed with the sense of community, support, and love that there is along the coast. Having studied and worked in various public health sectors from New York, Botswana, Louisiana, and finally to Mississippi, I have learned first-hand how important a role community plays in our health. I have been overjoyed serving as Director of the MS Gulf Coast Youth Health Coalition since July 2014 and watching how our work has been slowly and steadily impacting our communities. I live in Pass Christian with my husband, Stephen, our two young children, and our miniature golden doodle. I understand how life is always changing and how important it is to strive for and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. As a mom, I always try to positively role model healthy behaviors, whether it’s eating fruits and veggies, doing yoga, making meal preparation fun, going for runs, or making infused water – I always try to include the little ones, even if it’s sometimes challenging! Being able to work with other families all along the coast has been such an honor. Hearing your stories, accomplishments, and even setbacks, with living the 5-2-1-0 message have been so inspiring and such a motivator to continue our work. Partnering with dozens of individuals and organizations across the coast, that are also tirelessly committed to combating childhood obesity, has consistently demonstrated the strong sense of community and compassion that we have along the coast. This keeps me focused on making our communities where we live, learn, work, and play the absolute best they can be!