鶹Ƶ alumnus , BS in Community Health ’21, has taken his commitment to the intersection of public health and public service to the . Nash foresaw his future in community service and complemented his public health major with a global health concentration with an American Government minor from the Schar School of Policy and Government. Health and wellness are at the forefront of his mind when designing policies to uplift people physically, mentally, socially, financially, and environmentally.
“Public health and public service are inseparable. Whether it is housing, transportation, public safety, or economic development, every policy has an impact on health,” said Nash. "As a council member, I think about how decisions will affect people’s well-being, how they will create healthier neighborhoods, reduce disparities, or improve access to resources. We want to create policies to support the whole person and the whole community."
As the youngest elected council member for Roanoke City, Nash’s fresh perspective is amplifying the voices of future generations. A Roanoke native, Nash grew up seeing the city’s health needs go ignored for decades. He was inspired to run for city council because he wanted to give back in a meaningful way, addressing challenges facing the community today that will benefit generations to come.
“I saw a need for younger voices at the table, voices that reflect the future of our communities. My goal is to make Roanoke City the happiest, healthiest, and safest place for all to call home,” Nash said.
City Council is a part-time role, so Nash also serves as an Operations Consultant in Emergency Services at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke. He leads quality improvement initiatives, throughout efficiency projects, and operational strategies across all six Carilion Clinic Emergency Departments in Southwest Virginia.
“I use my background in community health to ensure that the systems and solutions we implement in the emergency department actively acknowledge and respond to social determinants of health, helping bridge gaps in care and address the broader factors that impact patient outcomes,” Nash said.
Nash credits his education from the College of Public Health at 鶹Ƶ for training him in how to implement sustainable, innovative public health solutions. “The most significant aspect of my George 鶹Ƶ and College of Public Health education was the diversity. I met people from so many different backgrounds, which opened my mind and broadened my perspective. The professors also consistently challenged me to think outside the box and become truly creative in the way I approached problems,” he said. “That combination of diversity and intellectual challenge shaped the way I see public health and leadership today.”