Patrick McConnon

Background

About Patrick McConnon

Since retirement after over 50 years in public health work, Paddy has Chaired the Board of Directors for the CSTE Foundation Patrick worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1967-2002. He undertook challenging international assignments in refugee health, smallpox eradication, Guinea worm eradication, and domestic and international outbreak coordination. His work included long term domestic assignments in 3 states, and assignments in Thailand, Nigeria, and CDC Headquarters. He completed his career as the CDC Senior Management Official responsible for the Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease Program from 1994-02. This effort targeted core infrastructure needs and use of new technologies to support programs at the Federal, state and local level. Mr. McConnon was the recipient of many awards with CDC including the William C. Watson Medal of Excellence, the Order of the Bifurcated Needle (Smallpox Eradication), and a Chieftaincy in Nigeria for his work in Guinea worm eradication. From 2002-12, he served as the Executive Director for the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, promoting the use of epidemiology to guide public practice at the state and local level. His work included supporting public health surveillance and epidemiologic practice through training, fellowships, capacity development, developing standards of practice, and advocating for scientifically based policy. From 2013-15, he worked with the CDC Foundation where he developed a public health program management training program for less developed public health agencies in Africa and Asia. Mr. McConnon is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (BS-1967) and Emory University (MPH-1988). Retired, Paddy remains an active supporter of public health efforts and is an avid gardener, a bicyclist, and sports enthusiast. A great day is a walk in the park across the street in Denver, a bike ride, a little work in the garden, a good meal, and the return of MLB live and a victory by the home team all with his lifetime pal, Kate.