Dr. Laura Magaña is a globally recognized academic public health leader known for her commitment to transformation, innovation, and social justice. She serves as President and CEO of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), representing more than 150 academic institutions dedicated to advancing public health. Additionally, she is the founding President of the Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH), an alliance of seven regional associations that support public health education worldwide.
Under Dr. Magaña’s leadership, ASPPH has strengthened its role as a catalyst for excellence and innovation across education, research, and practice in academic public health. She has overseen the launch of strategic initiatives, including the Academic Public Health Leadership Institute, the ASPPH Workforce Development Center, and a robust advocacy platform that elevates the voice of academic public health in key policy arenas. She has also expanded the association’s global reach and membership, positioning ASPPH as a central force in shaping the future of public health education.
Dr. Magaña is leading ASPPH’s Vision 2030 agenda, which addresses critical public health challenges through initiatives focused on Dismantling Racism in Academic Public Health, Climate Change and Health, Framing the Future 2030, Gun Violence Prevention, Healthy Longevity, and the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Public Health.
Before joining ASPPH, Dr. Magaña spent over 35 years transforming public and private universities in Mexico and leading educational, multilateral, and nonprofit organizations across the United States, Central America, and Europe. Most recently, she served as dean of the School of Public Health at the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Magaña has authored over 90 academic publications, with a focus on learning environments, educational technology, and the advancement of public health education globally.
