SPPH Affiliate Faculty, State Health Official and Administrator of the Division of Public Health
Elke is an Idaho native. Her life’s passion to protect and promote the health of Idahoans started over 27 years ago in her role as health education specialist within the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Public Health. Elke’s career within the Division includes a variety of positions including Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Community and Environmental Health, and as of 2012, the State Health Official and Administrator of the Division of Public Health. Elke is currently the longest tenured State Health Official in the nation and territories.
The Division of Health provides services ranging from immunizations, testing for and mitigation of communicable diseases, regulating food safety, certifying emergency medical personnel, vital record administration, health promotion, environmental public health, rural healthcare support and expansion, compilation of health statistics to public health preparedness and response. Over the past 11 years as the State Health Officer, Elke’s leadership earned the Division national recognition as an accredited public health agency. Her leadership established a statewide time-sensitive emergency system of care, advanced efforts around population health and the social determinants of health, earned awards for maternal child health programs, established a state-funded suicide prevention program, and provided a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elke’s passion to promote the health of Idahoans extends into her role as adjunct faculty at Boise State University School of Public Health and Population Sciences teaching leadership and strategic planning.
Elke holds a Master of Health Science, with an emphasis in environmental health and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Boise State University.
Elke’s additional endeavors include serving as chair of the board of the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora, owning and operating Designs by Elke, a small business creating unique, handcrafted handbags using sourced vintage materials, and providing barre fitness instruction.
Contact Information
Office: Remote
Email: elke.shaw-tulloch@boisestate.edu