A featured contribution from Leadership Perspectives, a curated forum for enterprise technology leaders, nominated by our subscribers and vetted by the CIOApplications Editorial Board.
the City of Jersey City
Driving Community Wellness: The Vision of a Public Health Leader
In an exclusive interview with CIO Applications, Stacey Lea Flanagan shared her perspective on community health, equity, and innovation in public service.
Current Role in Jersey City Leadership
I was deeply involved in community service from a young age, which led me to Michigan State University, where I studied political science. There, I engaged with public service at the governmental level through programs such as Cities of Service and AmeriCorps. That passion for service led me to the Peace Corps, where I served in Costa Rica. I worked with the Community Development Corporation and the Port Authority of Costa Rica on economic redevelopment and women’s education initiatives.
Following that, I returned to the US to pursue a master’s degree in nonprofit management. I worked with several national and international nonprofits, including the Leader to Leader Institute, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Share Our Strength. That experience brought me to New York, where I joined a local public health institute. That role eventually led me to The City of Jersey City, where I now serve as the Director of Health and Human Services.
Lessons from the Peace Corps
Serving in the Peace Corps was foundational for me. In most countries, Peace Corps volunteers live independently within the community. You are responsible for finding your mentors and upholding the image and expectations others may have of US citizens abroad. From a leadership development standpoint, I learned the importance of determination and self-management.
Even when no one is watching, the work has to get done. In many ways, it is like being an entrepreneur within the community. That kind of independence and accountability helped shape my leadership approach.
Additionally, communicating in a non-native language forces you to be precise and intentional with your communication. I remember a particular water project in the community I served. The town needed piping and an additional power source. That meant collaborating with the local electric company, the municipality, and the water committee. Managing those relationships across
Shaping the Future of Human Services in Jersey City
At the beginning of the full ups administration, there was a clear vision from the mayor to transform city departments so they could operate more proactively. Having lived in Jersey City for years before taking on this role, I did not fully understand the complexity of the department at the time, as it wasn’t particularly visible to the public.
The first step was to reevaluate each program to understand how they aligned and where efficiencies could be introduced. This allowed us to develop new divisions and expand our organizational chart. The goal was twofold: to create space for staff to deepen their current roles and to provide pathways for leadership and growth.
Public health is really about the public, and if you keep that at the forefront, you’ll grow in this field and help others do the same
When I began, there were only three divisions; now, there are ten. Some divisions had grown so large that it became difficult to manage and mentor staff effectively. A more streamlined structure allowed for better oversight and support.
Despite its name, the department initially lacked focus on human services. We identified key populations that needed more attention: immigrants, refugees, and asylees. That led to the creation of the Division of Immigrant Affairs, which was established just over six years ago. We also expanded services for veterans. While an office existed, it lacked a robust budget. By creating a division, we were able to provide more comprehensive support, aligning with the mayor’s vision, especially since he is a veteran himself.
Mental health services became another priority. We now operate a mobile Health and Hygiene Bus that provides showers, bathrooms, and laundry services to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. We also support mental health first aid training across the city.
One significant program we introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic was Peaceful Families, in partnership with the court system. It provides 26 weeks of group support for first-time domestic violence offenders, monitored by the courts. The goal is to keep families together during a critical period while addressing the underlying issues and supporting long-term healing.
Building Long-Term Resilience from Crisis
We had started pandemic planning in 2019, identifying supply chains and stockpiling PPE, but the early days of COVID-19 still tested us. Jersey City led the way with municipal-run testing and vaccinations, even without a promise of federal reimbursement. We believed that legally sound, residentfocused programs would eventually be supported, and although some funds are still pending, our priority has always been the community.
We also launched a meal delivery initiative for families impacted by job loss, partnering with a local transit service and restaurants. This fed residents, helped restaurants stay open and provided continued employment to semi-documented drivers.
Redefining Public Health Priorities
Innovation is crucial for meeting public health needs in real time. I see immense potential in artificial intelligence (AI). AI could help bridge gaps between therapy sessions or provide mental health resources outside office hours. Public health departments often operate from 9 to 5, but people’s lives don’t follow that schedule. Timely support, whether through AI or other tools, is essential.
We are also expanding the scope of what constitutes public health. Bike lane safety, e-bike policy, and delivery worker protections may not seem like health issues at first glance, but they are deeply tied to overall well-being. A “health-in-all-policies” approach is how we move the field forward.
Language, too, is a robust public health tool. Learning another language opens doors in a field shaped by diversity. Whether you are a community health worker or an epidemiologist, language—whether spoken or analytical—connects you to people. Public health is about people. If you lead with that truth, you will grow in this field and help others do the same.
