Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

MELINDA KNIGHT

West Point,GA

Summary

Environmental Health professional with strong background in leadership, policy development, and community health initiatives. Proven track record in managing multidisciplinary teams, optimizing healthcare services, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Skilled in strategic planning, resource allocation, and program evaluation. Known for adaptability, collaborative spirit, and results-driven approach.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Venesco
04.2024 - Current
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
  • Enhanced classroom collaboration through the implementation of group projects and team-building activities.
  • Enhanced student critical thinking skills through problem-based learning activities.

DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR

Georgia Department of Public Health
10.2018 - Current
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational goals were met in 12 Georgia counties
  • Formulated long-term objectives while managing day-to-day operations
  • Directed all aspects of project management including planning, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting
  • Provided leadership in times of crisis or change initiatives
  • Mentored and coached over 50 staff members, enabling them to reach their highest potentials
  • Established performance metrics to track progress and success of initiatives
  • Collaborated with government agencies, ensuring compliance with all regulations and adherence to best practices in public health management.
  • Cultivated relationships with key internal and external stakeholders

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COUNTY MANAGER

District 4 Public Health
01.2012 - 10.2018
  • Evaluated existing septic systems and recommended changes or improvements as needed
  • Permitted and inspected residential and commercial septic systems
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws governing public sector management
  • Assessed employee performance through regular reviews and provided feedback accordingly
  • Provided leadership in resolving conflicts between departments or other entities while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved
  • Addressed citizen concerns promptly and courteously while working towards resolution
  • Managed day-to-day operations of the county departments to ensure efficient delivery of services

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIALIST

District 4 Public Health
12.2010 - 01.2012
  • Maintained records of all emergency preparedness activities and resources used in the event of an emergency
  • Provided guidance to communities on how best to prepare for different types of disasters
  • Developed strategies for mitigating risk posed by potential hazards in the environment
  • Created and maintained comprehensive disaster response protocols to ensure effective operations during emergencies
  • Assessed risks associated with natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornados
  • Prepared detailed reports outlining findings from risk assessments conducted at various sites
  • Conducted drills and simulations to evaluate readiness of personnel, equipment, and facilities in responding to disasters
  • Organized training sessions on emergency preparedness procedures for staff members

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COUNTY MANAGER

District 4 Public Health
10.2004 - 12.2010
  • Provided technical expertise in the development and implementation of environmental health programs
  • Reviewed applications for permits related to food service establishments, septic tanks installations, private wells construction and maintenance
  • Facilitated meetings among stakeholders interested in working together on initiatives that promote healthier communities through improved environmental conditions
  • Worked collaboratively with community partners to develop educational materials about local environmental health concerns
  • Created comprehensive reports detailing findings from field investigations and recommendations for corrective action plans
  • Conducted inspections of food service establishments, swimming pools, sewage systems, water supply systems, and other facilities for compliance with applicable laws and regulations

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

District 4 Public Health
09.1998 - 10.2004
  • Conducted inspections of food establishments to ensure safe handling, storage, preparation, and service of food products in accordance with public health standards
  • Drafted reports summarizing findings from investigations, inspections, surveys, or studies conducted in relation to environmental health concerns
  • Processed and reviewed environmental permits, licenses and related materials

Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - AGRICULTURE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

University of Georgia
Athens, GA
05.1998

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Gordon State College
Barnesville, GA
06.1995

Skills

  • Strong communication skills
  • Public speaking
  • Expertise in subject matter
  • Collaborative team player
  • Strategic planning
  • Residential and commercial systems
  • Inspection reporting
  • Training and mentoring
  • Regulatory compliance

Certification

  • Registered Environmental Health Specialist
  • ServSafe Instructor and Proctor
  • Georgia On-Site Inspector Level II P-ST/PS
  • Certified Pool and Spa Operator

Affiliations

  • Georgia Environmental Health Association, President 2019-2023
  • Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association, Treasurer 2019- current

Timeline

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Venesco
04.2024 - Current

DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR

Georgia Department of Public Health
10.2018 - Current

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COUNTY MANAGER

District 4 Public Health
01.2012 - 10.2018

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIALIST

District 4 Public Health
12.2010 - 01.2012

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COUNTY MANAGER

District 4 Public Health
10.2004 - 12.2010

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

District 4 Public Health
09.1998 - 10.2004

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Gordon State College

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - AGRICULTURE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

University of Georgia
MELINDA KNIGHT