Remembering Nicola Close: A Leader in Public Health
By Editor • September 4, 2026 • 1 min read
Nicola Close, a distinguished public health leader and the founder of the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Her remarkable journey began in 2007 when she became the association's first and only employee, eventually transforming it into a vital organization with 19 staff members.
Close's impact on public health became particularly apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. As directors of public health took center stage in managing local responses to the crisis, Nicola was instrumental in enhancing their effectiveness by fostering communication between central government and local entities. She worked tirelessly to dismantle obstacles to data sharing and secured continuous dialogue between public health leaders and the UK's chief medical officers.
In recognition of her invaluable contributions to public health, Close was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2025, a testament to her dedication to the field and the communities she served.
Source: www.theguardian.com
