Bertha Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE

Why do you want to serve as a leader of the College?

I have been a member of the American College of Epidemiology (ACE) since 2010, and during this time, I have led and served on several committees, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the College. These experiences have deepened my commitment to the College's mission and have prepared me to take on a more significant leadership role. At this point in my career, I am well-positioned to collaborate with the Board, Committees, and ACE leadership to build on the current momentum, increase the College's visibility, and enhance the careers of all members. I am eager to continue giving back to the field of epidemiology through dedicated service to the College, leveraging my experience and passion to support and advance our community

What are your qualifications and experiences that will help you in service as a leader?

I’ve had the privilege of gaining leadership experience through various opportunities at the community, School, university, and national levels. I have served on several local community and national boards, am currently the Associate Dean of Institutional Excellence at the UAB School of Public Health, and serve as principal investigator on NIH-funded grants, including an R01 and a T32 program. My extensive experience in building programs and leading programmatic efforts has reinforced the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Few, if any, roles are solo missions; working together has been instrumental to my success and in generating successful outcomes across all roles and endeavors.

How have you been involved in the College in the past?

My qualifications and experiences uniquely position me to serve as a leader for the American College of Epidemiology. As a long-time member, I have had the privilege of leading the Associate Member Committee, chairing the Minority Affairs Committee for six years, and serving on the Board at various times between 2012 and 2024. Throughout these roles, I have collaborated with colleagues across different committees and leadership positions to advance the mission of the College. These experiences have provided me with deep insights into the College’s operations, fostered strong relationships with the ACE management company, and enhanced my understanding of ACE’s strategic direction and growth potential. This comprehensive background equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and contribute to the continued success and excellence of ACE.