Kristine Gebbie

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Photograph of President William J. Clinton at a Ceremony Introducing Kristine Gebbie as the First Federal AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Coordinator - NARA - 2569233

Kristine Gebbie (June 26, 1943 – May 17, 2022) was an American public health official and academic. She was known for her work in public health policy and administration, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS and public health preparedness.

Early Life and Education

Kristine Gebbie was born on June 26, 1943, in Idaho. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and later received her Master of Public Health from UCLA.

Career

Public Health Service

Gebbie began her career as a public health nurse and quickly moved into administrative roles. She served as the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health and later as the Secretary of the Oregon State Health Division.

National AIDS Policy Coordinator

In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Gebbie as the first National AIDS Policy Coordinator, a position often referred to as the "AIDS Czar." In this role, she was responsible for coordinating the federal government's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Academic Career

After her tenure as National AIDS Policy Coordinator, Gebbie transitioned to academia. She held faculty positions at several institutions, including Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Flinders University in Australia.

Contributions to Public Health

Kristine Gebbie was a strong advocate for public health preparedness and response. She contributed to the development of policies and programs aimed at improving the nation's ability to respond to public health emergencies, including bioterrorism and pandemics.

Personal Life

Gebbie was married and had three children. She passed away on May 17, 2022.

Legacy

Kristine Gebbie's work in public health has had a lasting impact on the field, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS policy and public health preparedness. Her contributions continue to influence public health practices and policies.

See Also

• Public health
• HIV/AIDS
• Bioterrorism
• Pandemic