In recognition of her ongoing commitment to preserving public health through outreach and education, Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed New York State Integrated Pest Management’s (NYSIPM) Community IPM Coordinator, Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, to the New York State Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Working Group.
Established by executive order in 2018, the Working Group brings together educators, researchers, environmental leaders and public health officials to develop strategies and make recommendations designed to control tick populations on public lands, expand access to data and increase public awareness through enhanced education and outreach.
“Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann’s appointment to the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Working Group is a testament to her dedicated efforts to spread awareness and develop strategies for addressing and combating ticks and tick-borne diseases,” said NYSIPM Director Alejandro Calixto. “I am delighted to see Jody’s efforts recognized by the governor, and I am confident that the Working Group will benefit tremendously from her enthusiasm, insight and expertise.”
Through her work with NYSIPM, Gangloff-Kaufmann has spearheaded the Program’s efforts to increase awareness of the state’s “Don’t Get Ticked NY” campaign, lectured extensively on risk reduction to school and community groups and contributed to invaluable research on public health issues related to ticks, bedbugs, rodents and water quality.
Gangloff-Kaufmann’s appointment to the Working Group became effective September 13.