Foundation names Willett vice president for programs

WICHITA, KAN.--The Kansas Health Foundation has hired Jeffrey G. Willett as its vice president for programs. Willett, who comes to the Foundation after serving as the director of the New York State Tobacco Control Program, will be responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s grant making department.

“The Foundation is very excited to have Jeff Willett joining our efforts to improve the health of all Kansans,” said Steve Coen, Kansas Health Foundation president and CEO. “His broad range of experience in the areas of prevention, public health and health policy will be a great asset to our organization and to the people of Kansas.”

During his time at the New York State Tobacco Control Program, Willett led the state’s comprehensive tobacco prevention efforts, including the development, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of effective tobacco control and public health interventions and policy recommendations. He was also involved in the establishment of the New York Center for Public Health and Tobacco Policy.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to join a philanthropy dedicated to improving health on a statewide basis,” Willett said. “I’m excited to return to the Midwest and begin working on the Foundation’s many health and prevention efforts.”

A native of Nebraska, Willett has three degrees from the University of Nebraska: a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a master’s degree in sociology and a Ph.D in sociology. In addition to his work in tobacco prevention and public health, Willett also has extensive experience in evaluation, research, strategic communication and policy development.

Willett will begin his position with the Foundation on Feb. 21.

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The Kansas Health Foundation is a private philanthropy working statewide to improve the health of all Kansans. To find out more about the Foundation, please visit www.kansashealth.org.