With a broad and extensive range of experience and skills, the leadership team at the Partnership for Public Health (The Partnership) provides strategy and day-to-day operational oversight for an agency dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those who live in, work in, or visit the Lakes Region.
Tammy Carmichael
Executive Director
Tamera “Tammy” Carmichael serves as the Partnership for Public Health’s Executive Director, a role she began in May 2020.
At the Partnership, she provides program oversight and management for all facets of the organization’s operation including the procurement of resources, development of organizational policies and procedures, execution of programs, and the evaluation of strategies and processes. All of which can only be accomplished by implementing best practices, cultivating community partnerships, and empowering diverse team members individually and collectively.
Prior to joining the Partnership, Tammy brings over 25 years of leadership experience mainly in non-profit healthcare settings. Most recently, she served at the Florida Department of Health (DOH) for more than twelve years as Program Development and Regional Contract Administrator in Alachua County Florida. In that role she: administered grant programs, managed contracts, and encouraged and empowered teams to achieve individual and systems outcomes. She also directed a partnership between Tobacco Free Alachua and the Alachua County Tobacco Control Program leading to the first ordinance in the Southeastern U.S. that increases the minimum age of sale for tobacco products to 21; achieved American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) accreditation for the Alachua County Diabetes Self-Management Education Program; initiated Green Dot GNV program to promote violence prevention; partnered with the United Health Foundation to open the Alachua County Health Department’s Dental Facilities, and served on the Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan steering committee. In addition, she is well versed in emergency preparedness, a requirement for DOH employees, and was tasked as a special needs shelter manager during deployment.
She is an honor graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa obtaining a Human Services degree, with a Sociology concentration as well as completing many professional certification programs over the years in leadership, contract management, and emergency preparedness.
“I look forward to using my passion for public health and my knowledge, skills, and abilities to build upon the strong foundation of commitment and collaboration towards community health and empowerment that already exists in this region!”
Courtney DeVost
Director of Finance & Operations
Courtney DeVost serves as the Partnership for Public Health’s Director of Finance & Operations. Courtney has been with the organization since September of 2020 assisting in our Business Office, most recently stepping up from her role as our HR & Operations Manager in May of 2022.
At the agency, Courtney is responsible for the Business Office team and leads the finance, human resource, and operational functions of the organization with the assistance of her dedicated staff of the business office. This includes preparing and analyzing all agency budgets, forecasting, and overseeing contracts and billing activities, compliance and creation of policy and procedures throughout the organization, as well as overseeing the agency’s human resource management.
Courtney is an experienced nonprofit grant accounting professional, whose passion for business and operations propels her to continue to expand her knowledge with certifications and innovative trainings in efficient best practices. Courtney has a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in HR and Accounting and is working towards completing her MBA. Courtney holds many professional certifications and trainings, including Nonprofit Financial Literacy Certification and is currently enrolled in the HR Management Certification from University of New Hampshire and Leadership Lakes Region (class of 2024).
“ I believe that fiscal responsibility and transparency in every aspect of our organization can lead us to growth and future opportunities that will benefit our community and the public health of our region. “
John Beland
Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response
John Beland serves as The Partnership’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager, a role he has held since 2017.
At the agency, John is responsible for all areas of emergency preparedness and training and works closely with area town officials, health officers, emergency management directors, fire/rescue workers, police, schools and others to: limit illness and death, preserve continuity of government/business, minimize social disruption and minimize economic loss.
Prior to joining the Partnership, he served as Deputy Coordinator, Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid (LRMFA), which provides emergency communications and other value-added services to 35 communities across central NH. Prior to his work at LRMFA he served 30 years with the Gilford Fire-Rescue Department retiring as Chief of the Department in 2011. He also currently serves as Senior Staff Instructor at the NH Fire Academy.
John holds an A.S. in Fire Protection from New Hampshire Technical College in Laconia, is a Certified Public Manager and holds a number of professional certifications including from the Center for Domestic Preparedness, National Fire Academy and state and regional programs.
He serves on several community boards including Leadership Lakes Region, the Gilford Rotary Club, and the St Baldrick’s Foundation Childhood Cancer Fundraiser as event organizer.
“I have been involved with the Partnership for Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness Council as an emergency responder. The work of the Partnership for Public Health, the Winnipesaukee Public Health Region is critical to the region should there be a public health emergency. I enjoy working collaboratively with our local community partners, and emergency responders to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
Carissa Elphick, MA, CIRS-A/D
Deputy Director
Carissa Elphick serves as the Deputy Director and is responsible for leading all aspects of the agency’s efforts to support social determinants of health in the region through direct services. In addition, she has served as the Director of ServiceLink programs in Belknap and Carroll counties since 2017.
Carissa joined ServiceLink in 2014 working as an Options Counselor for the Belknap County office. Prior to joining the organization, she was a forensic interviewer with the Merrimack County Advocacy Center in Concord.
She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Justice Studies from the University of New Hampshire in Durham and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude) from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish, ME.
Carissa holds a broad range of professional certifications and is a graduate of Leadership Lakes Region (class of 2017). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Gilford Neighbors, a community group supporting aging in place, social engagement, and volunteerism among older adults. She is also a parent representative for Laconia Youth Alliance.
“I love working in the community where I live and serving the older adults within our region. We are all aging and it’s important that we empower our community members with education, supports, and resources to make informed decisions regarding healthy aging and wellness.”