Teresa Branson - WKTV Journal

WKTV Journal In Focus Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, July 2021

By K.D. Norris

On this episode pf WKTV Journal In Focus, the continuing effort of the Kent County Commission and administration to make diversity and inclusion — at all levels of the county workforce — a focus.

More than simply another focus, actually, the county has made a commitment to fully embed diversity, equity and inclusion in Kent County’s strategic priorities. Firm evidence of that commitment is the recent promotion of Teresa Branson to be the county’s first Chief Inclusion Officer.

On the WKTV set, Branson talks a little about her history, and a whole lot about what her position, its duties, and the county’s commitment means to area residents. Included in the discussion is how her job, in brief, will be working with “county leadership teams, employees and community partners to build on the work that has already been done and to implement meaningful change” in the future.

“It’s about the people I work with. It’s about the people we serve, we have what 650,000 people in Kent County,” Branson said. “At the end of the day, I want to know I have done something to make a difference. … doing something as important as ensuring people feel like they belong, in our workforce, and more importantly for every single person that comes in our door.”

Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)

For the complete WKTV Journal In Focus interview, visit here.

Branson holds a Master of Health Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University.

Prior to her new assignment, she worked as the Deputy Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). Prior to that, she held numerous public health education positions within KCHD, Child & Family Services of West MI, Inc., and Arbor Circle Corporation.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer. (Kent County)

Kent County announced last week that it has selected Teresa Branson as its first Chief Inclusion Officer — a position that will report to the Kent County Administrator and underscore “the organization’s commitment to fully embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in its strategic priorities,” according to the announcement.

Branson currently serves as the Deputy Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). Prior to that, she held numerous public health education positions within KCHD, Child & Family Services of West MI, Inc., and Arbor Circle Corporation. She will start her new position May 24.

“We are fortunate to have someone as qualified as Teresa serve as our first Chief Inclusion Officer,” Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt said in supplied material. “We elevated this role because we are committed to accelerating our efforts to be an inclusive workforce and to ensure we are being equitable in our service delivery. I am excited for Teresa to fulfill this role and help us expand our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.”

According to the announcement, Branson brings to the job “extensive experience implementing strategic diversity and inclusion programs and processes.” During her tenure at KCHD, she provided direction for the department’s health equity initiatives and led several successful programs aimed at reducing health disparities. She has also facilitated health equity and social justice training sessions.

Branson serves on numerous community and statewide boards, including the Michigan Community Action Team of the Governor’s COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force.

“It is an honor to be selected as the first person filling this role at Kent County,” Branson said in supplied material. “I look forward to working with our leadership teams, employees and community partners to build on the work that has already been done and to implement meaningful change that will make county government more responsive in meeting diverse needs of our employees and community.”

“Inclusive Participation” was one of five strategic priorities identified in the county’s 2019 strategic plan. Over the past several years, the Kent County Board of Commissioners and administration have invested in programs to increase equity and inclusion in hiring, training and service delivery.

Branson will oversee all the county’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and identify ways to improve the county’s ability to serve its employees and residents.

“Teresa has a wealth of experience that will help us develop best practices and break through potential barriers,” Britt said. “Our goal is to build a more welcoming workforce and community.”

Branson holds a Master of Health Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University.