Keynote Presentation
Dr. James Bell III, MSW, DSW (He/Him) | State Office Administrator, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. James Bell serves as the State Office Administrator within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), where he provides executive leadership as Chief of Staff to the Senior Deputy for the Public Health Administration and the Director for the Office for Public Health Transformation. In this role, he drives statewide health equity initiatives, policy strategy, and multi-sector collaborations to improve public health outcomes across Michigan. With a deep commitment to health equity, Dr. Bell’s research and practice focus on racial health disparities, social determinants of health, and policy-driven solutions. He has led projects in both the public and nonprofit sectors that advance systemic change, earning recognition as a thought leader in health inequities, social justice, and public policy innovation. Dr. Bell is a proud member of the inaugural cohort of ASTHO’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health and was honored as a 2023 de Beaumont Foundation “40 Under 40” in Public Health for his transformative leadership in the field.
Welcome Address & CHNA Kickoff
Dr. Nirali Bora, MD,MPH (She/Her) | Medical Director & Health Equity Liaison, Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Dr. Nirali Bora served as the Medical Director of Kent County Health Department for 6 years where she led public health efforts and partnered closely with community organizations. In her current role with Trinity Health Grand Rapids, serving as the Medical Director and Health Equity Liaison, she also serves as faculty with the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency Program. She is committed to advancing health equity, listening to people’s stories, and working together to improve the wellbeing of our community.