Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney has been named the head of a national nonprofit representing public health agencies and chief health officials across all 50 U.S. states.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) named Edney the organization’s 84th president on Wednesday. The organization touted Edney, a longtime healthcare professional, as someone who brings more than three decades of clinical experience and public health leadership to the role.
Since becoming Mississippi’s state health officer in 2022, Edney has led efforts to strengthen the state’s public health system and improve the health of its residents, which includes initiatives focused on maternal health, infant mortality, chronic disease prevention, and combating obesity.
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to serve alongside my fellow state and territorial health officials through ASTHO,” Edney said. “Our nation’s public health leaders face increasingly complex challenges, but we also have tremendous opportunities to strengthen our public health system through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to improving the health of every community.
“I am honored to serve as ASTHO president and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies and partnerships that support a healthier nation.”
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Edney joined the Mississippi State Department of Health in 2021 as its first chief medical officer before becoming deputy state health officer and later state health officer. Before entering public service, he spent more than 30 years practicing internal medicine in his hometown of Vicksburg.
A board-certified physician in internal medicine with a subspecialty in addiction medicine, Edney earned his undergraduate degree from William Carey University and his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Virginia before returning to Mississippi, where he has practiced primary care since 1991.
“It is a real privilege to welcome Dr. Edney as ASTHO’s next president,” ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter said. “He brings a remarkable depth of experience — not only as a visionary state health leader guiding Mississippi through critical public health milestones, but also as a frontline clinician deeply committed to tackling complex challenges like the opioid crisis.
“His dedication to patient care, combined with his fierce advocacy for the health of communities, makes him an extraordinary choice to lead ASTHO. I look forward to working hand in hand with him as we continue to advance and strengthen public health for communities across the nation.”
Edney has served in various leadership roles, including president of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Laureate of the Mississippi Chapter of the American College of Physicians and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.