Under the authority of Chapter 137 of the Code of Iowa, the Board of Health provides oversight to policy development, enforcement, education, and advocacy for the protection and improvement of public health.
Dr. Wes Pilkington, PharmD, Vice-Chair, is the pharmacist in charge at Evans Crossing Pharmacy in Evansdale. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2011. Wes is an active member of Iowa Pharmacy Association and National Community Pharmacy Association. He also serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students from The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. His experiences with pharmacy workgroups related to behavioral health, immunizations and increased access to electronic medical records have given him an enthusiasm for public health.
(Board Term: 1/1/2022-12/31/2024).
Disa Cornish is an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Northern Iowa. She is a graduate of NU High School in Cedar Falls. She attended the University of Iowa where she earned a BA in journalism and Spanish as well as her MS in public health. She earned a PhD in public health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Cornish teaches courses in epidemiology, maternal and infant health, planning and evaluation of public health programs, and research methods, among others. Her work is focused on health behavior, health equity, and maternal and child health.
(Board Term: 1/1/22-12/31/24)
Dr. Adam Roise is the Assistant Program Director for the UnityPoint Central Iowa Family Medicine Residency Program, Waterloo Track. He has worked in Black Hawk County since 2008. He completed his medical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving to Iowa for his residency. Dr. Roise’s time in the Peace Corps was the foundation for his interest in focusing on the health of populations and addressing disparities in communities. His research is in the areas of chronic disease management such as diabetes and hypertension. He serves as the Board’s Medical Advisor.
(Board Term: 01/01/2021-12/31/2026)
Rhonda McRina is an experienced professional with over 26 years of experience in education. She holds an M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Montevallo and is a dissertation away from a PhD in Higher Education Administration at Iowa State University. Rhonda has served in various roles in educational settings, including as a Mental Health and Educational Counselor and Assistant Director of the University of Northern Iowa's Upward Bound Program. Additionally, she is the Vice Chair of the Otto Schoitz Foundation and has served two terms on the Governor’s Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. As the Executive Director of the Minority Mental Health and Wellness Group, Rhonda is committed to advancing community health through a culturally informed approach. With her multifaceted background and commitment to equity, Rhonda is poised to make a meaningful impact on public health outcomes in Black Hawk County.
(Board Term: 01/30/2024-12/31/2026)
Rosario Garcia Fino is a Bilingual (t) Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Green Counseling Services. She is a Physical Therapist from the Universidad Manuela Beltran, Bogota, Colombia. She attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned a MA in Physical Education - Kinesiology emphasis and a MA in Counseling Clinical Mental Health. Her work is focused on mental and physical health and advancing health equity for minority and underserved communities.
(Board Term: 1/1/23-12/31/25)
The Black Hawk County Board of Health sponsors an annual legislative and/or candidate forum. Candidate forums offer an opportunity for the Board of Health to dialogue with local, state and federal candidates about priority public health issues. Legislative forums are generally held during the non-election years and focus on priority public health legislation. On behalf of the Black Hawk County Board of Health, staff from Black Hawk County Public Health actively monitor the status of state and federal public health legislation.
Iowa Public Health Association
American Public Health Association
Iowa State Association of Counties