Foundation Announcement: Leadership Development in Public Health Administration

Susan Hendrix • January 21, 2026

Advancing Public Health Leadership for Community Impact

Susan Hendrix Earns Certification in Public Health Administration

The Charlie E. & Minnie P. Hendrix Foundation for Chronic Illness is proud to announce that its Founder, Susan Hendrix, has earned a Certification in Public Health Administration. This credential strengthens the Foundation’s leadership capacity and reinforces its commitment to evidence-based, community-centered public health programming.

This certification enhances Susan’s expertise in public health systems, program administration, population health, disease prevention, and health equity, directly supporting the Foundation’s mission to improve outcomes for individuals and underserved communities impacted by chronic illness.

Strategic Value to the Foundation

Susan Hendrix’s certification in Public Health Administration strengthens the Foundation’s ability to:

  • Design, implement, and evaluate community health initiatives
  • Align programs with public health standards, frameworks, and best practices
  • Strengthen organizational governance and program accountability
  • Improve data-informed decision-making and reporting
  • Advance health equity and access through targeted interventions

This professional milestone ensures the Foundation is positioned to deliver scalable, measurable, and sustainable public health programs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

As a result of this enhanced leadership capacity, the Foundation will track the following KPIs across its programs:

  • Program Reach:
  • Number of individuals and households served annually
  • Percentage increase in outreach to underserved populations
  • Education & Awareness:
  • Number of community health education sessions delivered
  • Pre- and post-program knowledge gains among participants
  • Health Equity Impact:
  • Reduction in identified access gaps (education, resources, referrals)
  • Engagement levels among historically underserved groups
  • Program Effectiveness:
  • Participant satisfaction and feedback scores
  • Completion and retention rates in Foundation-led programs
  • Partnership Development:
  • Number of community-based and healthcare partnerships established
  • Integration of partner resources into Foundation initiatives

Anticipated Outcomes

The certification in Public Health Administration is expected to support the following outcomes:

  • Increased community awareness of prevention strategies and chronic disease management
  • Improved health literacy and self-advocacy among program participants
  • Strengthened community trust and engagement
  • Enhanced organizational capacity to secure funding and sustain long-term programs
  • Measurable progress toward equitable health outcomes for underserved populations

Ongoing Professional Development: Harvard University Extension Courses

In addition to this certification, Susan Hendrix is currently enrolled in Harvard University Extension School (HarvardX) courses focused on Strengthening Community Health Worker Programs.

This advanced coursework will further support the Foundation’s efforts to:

  • Develop and strengthen Community Health Worker (CHW)–informed initiatives
  • Improve community outreach, navigation, and trust-building
  • Address social determinants of health impacting individuals and families
  • Deliver culturally responsive, person-centered education and support

These efforts will benefit both underserved communities and individuals, ensuring that Foundation programs remain responsive, inclusive, and impactful.

Commitment to Accountability and Impact

The Charlie E. & Minnie P. Hendrix Foundation remains committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and measurable impact. Susan Hendrix’s continued professional development reflects the Foundation’s dedication to building sustainable public health solutions that empower communities and improve quality of life.