A Conversation with Kent “Oz” Nelson
What do you believe is the most important work of CDC?
CDC is best known for fighting international diseases on the front lines, but it also plays an important role in addressing other issues such as germ warfare. Food-borne diseases are another of CDC’s key concerns. The preventive work CDC performs in areas such as obesity and other public health issues also is critical.
How did you become interested in the work of CDC?
I’m a member of an organization called the Management Executive Society. At one of our meetings, Bernie Marcus, then a CDC Founda-tion board member, and Pete McTier, president of the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, started talking to me about working with CDC and the CDC Foundation. At first, I thought I would be too busy… but once I found out more, I was so impressed by the important work of CDC and the CDC Foundation that I had to become involved.
Since joining the CDC Foundation’s board of directors, what areas of public health interest you most?
The Level 4 labs, where CDC deals with the world’s most dangerous diseases - like the Ebola virus - are fascinating. It’s also interesting to find out how CDC does disease detective work to identify risks and problems, such as discovering and tracing a food-borne illness.
What are your thoughts about the working conditions at CDC?
During a tour of CDC, I became concerned by the level of underspending and investing in building and facilities. The staff is working in outdated buildings that were built in the 1940s through the 1960s. They don’t have the latest equipment or enough space. These are problems that need to be brought to the attention of politicians who can solve them.
Why do you think it’s so important for donors to join with the CDC Foundation to fund CDC initiatives?
There’s so much ability and talent within CDC, but scientists often can’t get funding for their projects. By finding contributors outside CDC who are willing to support these efforts, we can make a huge difference in the future of public health. The Foundation has a big job to do - and it has been extremely successful in its short history.