Dr. Suzuho Shimasaki, DrPH, MPH

Dr. Suzuho Shimasaki is driven by a deep belief that health is shaped not just by systems, but by the voices, power, and resilience of communities. This conviction guides their work in advancing health equity, strengthening organizational capacity, developing the public health workforce, and championing community-led change. Before joining the Adams County Health Department, Dr. Shimasaki played a pivotal role in shaping equitable public health responses during some of the state’s most challenging moments. As Community Partnership & Engagement Manager with CDPHE’s Office of Health Equity and earlier as Deputy Public Health Director for Pitkin County, Dr. Shimasaki worked alongside communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure response efforts were inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in trust.

Dr. Shimasaki’s commitment to civic engagement extends far beyond their professional roles. ˝ey have served as President of the Colorado Public Health Association, Board Co-Chair of the Center for Health Progress, and an active member of the Inclusiveness Project and Basic Human Needs Committees at ˝e Denver Foundation, consistently advocating for policies and practices that uplift marginalized communities and center equity in decision-making. At the heart of their work is a simple but powerful belief: lasting change happens when communities are not just served but positioned to lead.