On this week’s episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we talk to Nick Derusha, Director and Health Officer of the LMAS District Health Department in Newberry, Michigan. Nick gives us a glimpse into what life was like for a rural district health department before, during, and after the pandemic and tells us about the lessons learned from that journey. Nick also shares the impact and importance of leadership development and growth for his organization’s culture, community, and leadership team. 

“Your organization will become a reflection of you….So I would leave people with that insight, and also treat your employees well and take care of your communities.”

-Nick Derusha

I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and I am married with four daughters. I enjoy hunting, fishing, football, hockey, and spending time with my family. I am a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, have a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health from Ferris State University, Graduate Certificate in the Foundations of Public Health from the University of Michigan and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. I have been the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department (LMAS) Director and Health Officer since 2009. I was President of the Michigan Association of Local Public Health 2020-2022, I am Treasurer of the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital Bandmember the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, Co-Chair of the Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation Commission and appointed to the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council.