Alumni Spotlight: Juliet Charron, MPH ’13, leads health services in the Mountain West

Alumna Juliet Charron, MPH ’13, Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, reflects on how the skills and relationships she gained in the college’s MPH program propelled her public health career and her focus on community-centered healthcare solutions.

Juliet Charron, MPH ‘13, serves as the Director of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW), overseeing the administration of publicly funded health and social services across the state with an annual budget of approximately $6 billion.

Raised in Montana with deep roots in community service, Juliet’s career spans high-impact public health leadership across the Mountain West, from early behavioral health policy integration in Arizona to managing complex, multi-billion-dollar Medicaid systems in Texas and Idaho. A proud graduate of the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Juliet has dedicated her career to strengthening health policy, building trust with the public, and driving community-centered healthcare solutions.

We caught up with Juliet to discuss how she found her way to public health and how she uses the perspectives and skills she learned in our MPH program to promote community health across the span of her career. You can see the Questions and Answers below!

Q: Could you introduce yourself and share what inspired you to pursue a career in public health?

A: Growing up in Montana, I was fortunate to be surrounded by the beauty of the mountainous landscape and a year-round rotation of outdoor activities, and I was also rooted by a strong sense of community and place. My identity is very much grounded in growing up in the Mountain West and service to my community.

I come from a family where many of us have found ourselves in professions oriented toward caregiving and service, particularly in healthcare and education. Being in a service-driven field feels like it is both part of my DNA and where my innate talents can provide the most positive impact.

My journey to public health fell into place almost serendipitously at every step. I must have known I was headed down this path even as a 16-year-old, when I decided to do a high school capstone project on food deserts and the rise in obesity across the United States. Later, at age 19, I formally discovered the field of public health through a poster advertising a course in my college student union building. The decision to pursue my MPH became a no-brainer. Following graduation, I kept saying “yes” to opportunities that came my way as I honed my skills in health policy and operations and the rest is history!

Q: How did your time at the Zuckerman College of Public Health shape your career path?

A: I selected the MPH program at UA’s Zuckerman College of Public Health due to its strong focus on rural health policy and experiential learning opportunities. There were so many chances to get hands-on, real-world experience. The program offered everything from conducting literature reviews and drafting policy analyses for state agencies, to completing data analysis for county health departments, to endless opportunities to engage with professionals who were willing to mentor graduate students. The faculty were truly invested in helping each of us find our path and exposing us to as many facets of the field as possible.

I was also fortunate to have an amazing cohort during my time at MEZCOPH, where I made lifelong friends who feel like family. We still lean on one another and provide guidance and support as we navigate our respective careers.

Q: What are some key projects or initiatives you have led throughout your career?

A: 

• Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS): Right after graduation, I worked as a behavioral health policy analyst when behavioral health services were transitioning out of AZDHS to be integrated with physical health services under Medicaid (AHCCCS). I worked on early policy efforts to integrate these systems alongside behavioral health advocates, peers, and key stakeholders, an incredible foundational experience that led me to a career in Medicaid.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Working in Texas Medicaid, a huge ($50 billion) and complex delivery system, I led several efforts to strengthen oversight of the managed care system, streamline policy, and revamp procurement processes. This work focused on proper contract oversight, holding managed care plans accountable, ensuring the proper use of taxpayer dollars, and securing high-quality, best-value contracts for the state.
• Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW): In Idaho, I have had the honor of working on meaningful efforts across the health and human services spectrum. A consistent theme throughout my work here has been finding successful ways to communicate with the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about complex program issues. As public health practitioners, it is vital that we communicate in a helpful, non-threatening manner centered on trust-building, and continuously adapt our messaging and modalities for effectiveness.

Q: Looking back, is there a specific accomplishment or moment that stands out as your proudest?

A: While I have had the opportunity to work on many meaningful projects across the healthcare delivery system and public health, it is the smaller moments and personal interactions that make me most proud and remind me why I chose this path.

I am most proud when I meet someone who was positively impacted by work my team has done. For example, when I talk with a provider and we problem-solve a billing issue that allows them to keep their doors open, or when I work on policy that makes it easier for someone to access needed services, or when I see my team in their flow state, serving others. This is public health in action.

Q: In your own words, what does public health mean to you?

A: To me, public health is synonymous with service to others. While careers in public health can often feel like thankless jobs, the opportunities in this field are purpose-rich and incredibly impactful—from local communities to national and global levels.

Q: What advice would you give to current MEZCOPH students or recent graduates?

A: 

1. Say “yes” to opportunities: Take on as many opportunities as possible while you study public health and in your early years post-graduation. This will help you build a varied skill set and an invaluable network.
2. Be patient with your journey: Don’t feel like you must find the "perfect" job immediately after graduation. Try things, learn what you like or don’t like, and keep going.
3. Be willing to move: Don't be afraid to move for the right opportunity, and then maybe move again (and again!). Exploring new places expands your professional network and career possibilities and you can always return home.
4. Seek mentorship: Find mentors and don’t be afraid to ask others for guidance.
5. Stick to core values: Professionalism, curiosity, hard work, and tenacity never go out of style, and they will take you far.