holds the position of Chief Program Officer for Health Security for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). His portfolio includes the state public health practice program areas of infectious and emerging diseases, immunization, environmental health, and public health preparedness (including pandemic influenza preparedness). Mr. Blumenstock also serves as a member of the Association’s Executive Management Team responsible for enterprise-wide strategic planning, administrative services, member support, and public health advocacy.

Prior to his arrival at ASTHO on November 1, 2005, Mr. Blumenstock was the Deputy Commissioner of Health for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services where he retired after almost 32 y of career public health service. In this capacity, he had executive oversight responsibilities for a department branch of over 650 staff, an operating budget of approximately $125 million, which was comprised of the Division of Public Health and Environmental Laboratories; Division of Epidemiology, Occupational and Environmental Health; Division of Local Health Practice and Regional Systems Development; Division of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, and the Office of Animal Welfare. During his tenure, he also represented the Department on a number of boards, councils and commissions including the New Jersey Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force.

Mr. Blumenstock is the proud recipient of the ASTHO 2004 Noble J. Swearingen Award for excellence in public health administration and the Dennis J. Sullivan award, the highest honor bestowed by the New Jersey Public Health Association for dedicated and outstanding service and contribution to the cause of public health. He is also a Year 14 Scholar of the Public Health Leadership Institute and held an elected office serving his community for 12 y.

Jim Blumenstock received his BS in Environmental Science from Rutgers University in 1973 and a MS in Health Sciences Administration from Jersey City State College in 1977. He is a native of New Jersey which is still his primary residence with his wife of 40 y, Lee. They have three children and three grandchildren.