Toby Levin
Biography
Toby Rochelle Levin, PhD, MPH, CPH, CHES is an accomplished public health professional with extensive expertise in epidemiology. She holds a Ph.D. in public health with a focus on epidemiology from Walden University, an MPH in community health education from CUNY-Hunter College, and a BA in biology from CUNY-Brooklyn College. Additionally, Dr. Levin is certified in public health (CPH) and health education (CHES).
Currently, Dr. Levin serves as the Director of STD Services at the New Jersey Department of Health. Her career spans over 25 years, during which she has held significant positions, including Lead Epidemiologist for the Westchester County Department of Health and Staff Epidemiologist at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH). She has also imparted her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Dominican University of New York, teaching epidemiology and biostatistics to doctorate-level nurse practitioners.
Dr. Levin's career is marked by numerous achievements. In 2003-2004, she played a pivotal role in initiating the universal hepatitis B vaccination for infants in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health. Her efforts led to the participation of half of the hospitals in New York City. During her tenure at the Westchester County Department of Health, she was instrumental in managing several outbreak investigations, including a norovirus outbreak at a hotel in 2013, a significant measles outbreak in 2018-2019, and overseeing COVID-19 case management and contact tracing from 2020-2023.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Levin is actively involved in several public health organizations. She serves as a board member of the American College of Epidemiology, is a member of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and holds various leadership positions within the American Public Health Association.
Her professional interests encompass a wide array of public health areas, including infectious diseases, tobacco and vaping control, alcohol use and misuse, food safety, women’s health, emerging infections, and emergency/disaster preparedness. Dr. Levin remains dedicated to advancing public health initiatives and ensuring the effective operation of the STD program at the New Jersey Department of Health, particularly in challenging times.
Candidate Statement
It is both an honor and a privilege to be considered for a position on the Executive Board of the American Public Health Association (APHA). My journey with APHA began during my time as a student. While financial constraints and time limitations initially hindered my ability to maintain membership, my commitment to public health and to this organization never wavered. Over the past several years, I have re-engaged with APHA in meaningful ways—first by reviewing abstracts and films, then by moderating sessions, presenting my own research, and eventually stepping into leadership roles across sections, forums, and caucuses. APHA has become more than a professional organization for me—it is a community where I have found like-minded individuals, meaningful collaborations, and lasting friendships.
I currently serve as Chair of the Science Board, Co-Chair of the Joint Policy Committee, Chair of the Environment Section, and Past Chair of the Cancer Forum. In my role on the Science Board, I am leading efforts on the new implementation process for APHA policy briefs, specifically overseeing the development of training materials. My past leadership roles include Governing Councilor, Co-Chair of the Mentoring Committee, and Section Councilor in the Epidemiology Section. Additionally, I have served as Chair of the Policy Committee for the Environment Section, Co-Chair of the Policy Committee for the Women’s Health Caucus, and Secretary and Vice Chair of the Cancer Forum.
If elected to the APHA Executive Board, I will work collaboratively with members and leadership to implement APHA’s policies with integrity and transparency. I will actively support the management processes necessary to ensure the financial health and sustainability of our organization, and I will remain dedicated to advancing APHA’s 2024–2029 Strategic Priorities with vision, accountability, and passion.