Program Manager, Christine Ector
The Public Health Management Certificate (PHMC) is a year-long program offered by the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice.
The program provides training in core management competencies to newer managers working in public health organizations. We recently sat down with Christine Ector, the Program Manager, to discuss her experience and what makes the program so unique.
“I began working at NWCPHP in April of 2023,” Christine explained. “Prior to that, I had spent a couple of years volunteering with Americorps after I finished my undergraduate degree. I earned my MPH from Boston University, and during the pandemic, I did a lot of county health department work in vaccine clinics in Massachusetts.”
“I love working in this program,” Christine said. “On a day-to-day level, I coordinate with faculty and scholars, do a lot of strategic planning and implementation, and generally make sure the program runs smoothly.”
While Christine has not completed the program herself, she regularly attends both the in-person and virtual sessions. “I’m fortunate to have access to this great content and exposure to the faculty and scholars,” Christine noted. Then she added playfully, “The fun part for me is I get to learn from great people and materials without having to do any homework.”
On a more earnest note, she continued, “The materials offered in the virtual sessions are extremely practical and applicable. It’s exciting to witness scholars engage with the faculty, materials, and one another. I have this very unique seat at the table and can watch as communities and networks form and develop.”
The program consistently receives positive feedback from scholars, not only about the content, but also about the networking opportunities provided. “The chance to develop positive relationships with peers who are at similar stages of their careers is something most scholars find very useful,” Christine noted. “They also appreciate the small-team aspect of our program and the ongoing support they receive from both faculty and coaches.”
Christine is proud of how the program is constantly evolving to better serve individuals and organizations across the Northwest. “We’re regularly tweaking things and trying to make sure we’re providing the best learning experience possible,” she explained. “We like to use the initial in-person sessions in Seattle to emphasize community building and social activities between scholars and faculty.”
An exciting new element to the program is the addition of more equity-focused learning content. “Kady Pecorella and Aric Ho, work with our scholars throughout the year to explore equity concerns that relate directly to the course materials. The sessions they lead are great opportunities for newer managers to dig into challenging topics while receiving constructive support from their peers and experts in the field.”
On a final note, Christine stated, “I find it very rewarding to support public health professionals as they develop their managerial skills and make positive changes within their organizations. A better manager makes for a better team, and that allows more growth and impact. It’s very exciting to be a part of that process and do my part to improve health outcomes across our region.”
Visit the Public Health Management Certificate to learn more about the program, faculty, and course materials, and to apply for this fall’s cohort. Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are being accepted through May 31, 2025.
