As the Chief Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, CAPT Jill Shugart will provide leadership and guidance to the Environmental Health Category. She will advise the Office of the Surgeon General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the recruitment, assignment, deployment, retention, and career development of environmental health officers (EHOs). She will oversee strategic priorities and key initiatives to advance environmental public health, promote collaboration across USPHS Commissioned Corps professional categories, academic institutions, and beyond, while building strong public health leaders. Her vision for the Environmental Health Category is to proudly be the stewards of environmental health programs and organizations, and strengthen the USPHS Commissioned Corps. She is excited to lead EHOs as they prevent illness and injuries while saving lives.

CAPT Shugart serves as the Associate Director of the Coordinating Office for Environmental Readiness, Response, and Recovery for the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). She began her USPHS Commissioned Corps career in 2000 as a JRCOSTEP with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Her work ethic, lifelong learning, and leadership skills have transitioned her through several positions at the IHS Hopi Health Care Center, ATSDR, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Hospital Preparedness Program, CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, and CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support. These leadership positions and diverse experiences prepared her to serve as Chief EHO.

CAPT Shugart has been highly involved in USPHS Commissioned Corps activities throughout her career. She was a voting member in the EHO Professional Advisory Committee (EHOPAC) for six years, serving in leadership roles to include EHOPAC Chair and Chair of the EHOPAC Marketing and Recruitment Subcommittee. She represented the Environmental Health Category on the Commissioned Officer Association Board. She deployed on multiple USPHS Commissioned Corps- and agency-led missions both domestically and internationally. Examples include 2005 Hurricane Katrina, 2008 Continuing Promise Mission (USS Boxer), 2014 Ebola Outbreak, 2019 COVID-19 response, and 2023 East Palestine Train Derailment. These leadership roles strengthened her skills and resolve to serve as Chief EHO.

CAPT Shugart’s educational and professional achievements include a Master of Science in Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, a Certified Professional – Food Safety, a Diplomate in the American Academy of Sanitarians, and Certified in Public Health.

CAPT Shugart resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been happily married for 16 years. She has one daughter and enjoys cooking, yoga, and spending time outdoors.