2023 VISTA Millennial Superstars: Ashley Orr

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Ashley Orr
Image via Paul Patton, Wilmington University.
Ashley Orr.
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Ashley Orr, a Downingtown East High School graduate is the Population Health Bureau Director at the Chester County Health Department.

“I have the privilege of working alongside a group of passionate and talented public health professionals who are committed to serving people in our community,” she said. “I also get to collaborate with many amazing community organizations and stakeholders who are truly mission-driven and share a common goal of improving health in Chester County.”

Orr, who began working when she was 15 years old as an animal caretaker at a local kennel, earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College and a master’s degree in Public Health from Drexel University. She credits Jeanne Franklin, Director of the Chester County Health Department, with having the biggest impact on her career.

“Jeanne and I have worked together at the Health Department for almost 10 years, and throughout that time, she has been an incredible mentor to me,” said Orr. “I’m inspired by her passion and dedication to public health and our community. Jeanne has always made me feel that I am a valued part of the team, and she believed in me, even when I had moments of self-doubt. She pushed me to take on new challenges, gave me space to work through them, and provided constructive feedback along the way. I learned a lot through these experiences, gaining the skills and confidence I needed to grow in my public health career.”

Orr’s proudest professional achievement is her work with community health assessments and improvement plans.

“What I am most proud of is implementing ongoing cycles of assessments and improvement plans,” she said. “Over time, we have increased staff engagement in the process and made updates to the process based on lessons learned from prior iterations. This cycle is now a core function of our Population Health team, which informs our department priorities and provides health data to our partners and community members.”

Orr’s favorite Chester County restaurants are located in the same building in Downingtown: Estrella Tacos y Mas and East Branch Brewing Company.

Orr and the rest of the 2023 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 18 at Penn State Great Valley.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.

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