Donna Walsh

Mrs. Walsh recently returned to public health in March, 2025 as a Senior Health Services Analyst and Community Chief Health Strategist for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County after serving as the President & CEO of Shepherd’s Hope from 2023-2025 since retiring as the Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County. She is a proven leader and community liaison who is recognized for her expertise in the field of public health and community service participating on multiple boards and committees. Mrs. Walsh is a formally trained nurse and epidemiologist who worked in the field of public health for over 35 years and held leadership positions with the Florida Department of Health for over 18 years. She graduated from the University of Central Florida Nursing Program in 1986 and received her master’s in public administration from the same university in 2008.

Mrs. Walsh is recognized for establishing strategic partnerships and creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of communities. She has co-authored several academic publications and presented on public health topics in professional and community forums. She was instrumental in completing requirements for the Florida Department of Health accreditation application to the National Public Health Accreditation Board for Seminole County and facilitated the completion of the Community Health Assessments and Improvement Plans for the county. Mrs. Walsh was named as the Learning Partner for the Kresge Foundation Emerging Leaders in Public Health award received by the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County in 2015, and received the 2015 Public Service Excellence Award, 2017 Alumni Achievement Award and 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Central Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and University of Central Florida School of Public Administration. She was also accepted into the National Association of County and City Health Officials Adaptive Leadership Academy in 2022 and received the 2021 Community True Champion Award from True Health and the 2023 Leadership Seminole Leadership Legends Award.

Contact Information

Email: dwalsh@rccfhelp.org