Laura Magaña, PhD, MS

Dr. Laura Magaña is the President and CEO of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) in Washington, DC, and the Founding President of the Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH) – an alliance of seven regional associations representing schools and programs of public health around the world.

Under her visionary leadership, ASPPH has harnessed the collective power of its members to drive excellence and innovation in public health education, research, and practice. During her tenure, the Association has launched several landmark initiatives, including the Academic Public Health Leadership Institute (APHIL), the Center for Public Health Workforce Development, and the Institute for Innovation, Discovery, and Excellence in Academia (IDEA).

Dr. Magaña has expanded ASPPH’s global reach, doubled its membership base, and championed advocacy efforts that shape public policy. She leads strategic initiatives that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time as part of ASPPH’s Strategic Plan 2030, including dismantling racism in academic public health, climate change and health, reimagining education for the future, preventing gun violence, promoting healthy longevity, and advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education and practice.

Before joining ASPPH, Dr. Magaña dedicated more than 40 years to advancing and transforming public and private universities in Mexico, as well as educational organizations in the United States, United Nations programs, and non-governmental organizations across Central America and Europe. She served as Dean of the School of Public Health at Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health.

Her scholarly work includes over 100 publications, many focused on learning environments, educational technology, and public health education. Dr. Magaña also serves on numerous boards and professional committees worldwide, contributing her expertise to strengthen the global public health community.