Gerold Dermid-Gray, MBA

Assistant Director, Larson Institute
Dermid, Gerold
he/him/they

Summary

Gerold Dermid, MBA serves as the Director of the Larson Institute for Health Impact and Equity and focuses on transformative consumer research and practice. His research and engagement are centered in the unique roles of identity, agency and motivation on consumer behavior. His work intersects the fields of marketing, management, public health and public policy. His work seeks to develop deeper understandings of diverse communities to effect co-created, community responsive, place-based solutions to social problems.

Mr. Dermid has worked in the field of public health over 20 years, focusing on health promotion, policy development, social marketing and community engagement. Mr. Dermid has provided leadership and strategic direction to communities throughout the world in health communication, disease prevention, social justice and international development. He currently manages a diverse portfolio of equity-centered programs locally, nationally and internationally, with a special focus on elevating the often under-realized but transformative assets of traditionally underserved communities.

Research and Teaching Interests

Transformative consumer research; global health promotion; social marketing; qualitative place-based research; global health; health equity; diversity; health policy

Courses Taught

  • PBH 461/661: Global Health Promotion
  • PBH 494/495/695/798: Spotlight on Global Health Research and Practice (International)
    • Paraguay: Indigenous Community Health (2019 – Present)
    • Rwanda: Health and Development from Genocide to Rebirth (2015 – Present)
    • South Africa: HIV/AIDS, Human Rights, and Social Justice (2014)
    • Turkey: Comparative Health Policy and Health Systems (2013)
    • Kenya: Cultural Traditions and Health (2012 – 2016, 2022 – Present)
  • PBH 310: Health and Wellness Communication
  • PBH 476/676: AIDS Psychosocial and Healthcare Concerns
  • PBH 101: Introduction to Public Health (Davidson Academy)
  • PBH 200: Introduction to Public Health Biology (Davidson Academy)

Selected Presentations

2024

2023

  • Poster Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Lensch, T., Chavez, L., Etiler, N., Scavacini, V., Dermid, G. The impact of perceived social and emotional support on health behaviors for gender expansive adults in urban and rural communities. November 2023.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Lensch, T., Scavacini, V., Etiler, N., Philips, D., Helzer, L., Herrington, C., Dermid, G. Knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers related to breast cancer screening: Findings from a series of listening sessions with African American and Black women in Nevada. November 2023.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Hanafi, S., Morning, K., Dermid, G. Making Health Happen: Strengthening the Public health Workforce with Engaging Online Learning. November 2023.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Etiler, N., Lensch, T., Altinay, Z., Dermid, G., Akpinar-Elci, M. Correlations between environmental factors and community-level COVID-19 vaccination rates: An ecological assessment. November 2023.
  • Poster Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Cladianos, A., Dermid, G. Utilizing the Community Health Worker Model in Places of Faith: A Case Study from Nevada. November 2023.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Dobbins, A., Dupin, Z., Dermid, G. Assessing the impact of vaccine status on COVID-19 behaviors in faith communities. November 2023.
  • Workshop Presentation, World Congress on Public Health. Rome, Italy. Dermid, G., Morning, K. Communicating Data Effectively: Making Statistics Stylish. May 2023.
  • Poster Presentation, World Congress on Public Health. Rome, Italy. Morning, K., Dermid, G. Enhancing Health Equity and Public Health Infrastructure. May 2023.
  • Poster Presentation, Consortium of Universities of Global Health Annual Conference. Dobbins, A., Dermid, G. Empowering Samburu Girls: A Community Health Worker Approach. April 2023.

2022

  • Poster Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Thomas, S., Monroy, E., Dermid, G. Identifying potential opportunities to prevent drug overdose deaths involving opioids and stimulants in Nevada. November 2022.
  • Poster Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Etiler, N., Lensch, T., Scavacini, V., Dermid, G. Self-reported abuse of gender minority adults living in Nevada. November 2022.
  • Roundtable Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Scavacini, V., Etiler, N., Lensch, T. Dermid, G. Mental health care perceptions, experiences, and needs of gender minority adults living in rural and urban counties in Nevada. November 2022.
  • Workshop Presentation, New Mexico Public Health Association Annual Conference. Hanafi, S., Telles, T., Dermid, G. Linking Rural Leaders: Best Practices and Lessons Learned for Community-Driven Programming. May 2022.
  • Poster Presentation, XULA Health Disparities Conference. Telles, T. Dermid, G., Dortch, T., Bobadilla, B. Evaluation of A Health in All Policies Approach for Systems Advancements in Health Equity. March 2022.
  • Poster Presentation, XULA Health Disparities Conference. Telles, T. Dermid, G., Lensch, T. Assessing Individual and Organizational Health Equity Perceptions for a Robust Public Health Workforce, Differences by Race/Ethnicity and Gender. March 2022.
  • Poster Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Hanafi, S., Telles, T., Dermid, G., Morning, K. Linking Rural Leaders: Design and Delivery of a Distance Learning Curriculum. New Orleans, LA, May 2022.
  • Workshop Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Morning, K., Dermid, G. Workforce Development Data the Workforce Can Actually Use. New Orleans, LA, May 2022.
  • Workshop Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Dobbins, A., Dermid, G. Community Building for Rural Public Health. New Orleans, LA, May 2022.
  • Workshop Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Telles, T., Lensch, T., Dermid, G. Assessing Health Equity for a Robust Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce. New Orleans, LA, May 2022.
  • Workshop Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Telles, T., Dermid, G., Hanafi, S. Evaluation of a Health in All Policies Interdisciplinary Partnership Approach Training and Initiative to Improve Community Health During a Pandemic. New Orleans, LA, May 2022.

2021

  • Workshop Presentation, US Conference on HIV/AIDS. Lensch, T., Cafferata, J., and Dermid, G. Understanding the Unique Health Needs of Gender Non-Conforming Adults. December 2021.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Telles, T., Dermid Gray, G., Bobadilla, B. A Health in All Policies Initiative to Creating a Healthier Nevada. Oral Presentation. October 2021.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Lensch, T., Cafferata, J., Maylath, B., MacFarlane R., Dermid, G. Associations Between Housing Displacement due to COVID-19 and Recent Substance Use and Psychological Distress Among Gender Non-Conforming Adults in Nevada. Oral Presentation. October 2021.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Morning, K., Dermid, G., Dobbins, A. Connecting Health and Faith to Implement Actions. Oral Presentation. October 2021.
  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Telles, T., Dermid Gray, G., Hanafi, S. Evaluation of a Health in All Policies Approach to Improve Community Health During a Pandemic. Oral Presentation. October 2021.
  • Workshop Presentation, Nevada Public Health Association Annual Conference. Dobbins, A., Morning, K., Dermid, G. Connecting Health and Faith to Implement Actions and Drive Health Equity. September 2021.
  • Poster Presentation, University of Nevada, Reno Diversity Summit. Morning, K., Dermid, G., Dobbins, A. Connecting Health and Faith to Design a Community Action Plan. April 2021.

2020

  • Workshop Presentation, American Public Health Association Annual Conference. Bobadilla, B., Diaz, P., Dermid Gray, G. Building Trust and Conducting Interventions with the Indigenous Ache Community of Puerto Barra, Paraguay. Oral Presentation. November 2020.
  • Poster Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Morning, K., Dermid, G., Larson, T., and Kim, D. Customizing Workforce Development Plans Based on Demographic Differences. Poster Presentation. New Orleans, LA, May 2020.
  • Poster Presentation, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Annual Meeting. Morning, K., Dermid, G., and Larson, T. Nevada Workforce Development Survey Informs Statewide Professional Development Opportunities. Poster Presentation. Arlington, VA, March 2020.

2018

  • Workshop Presentation, National Association of City and County Health Officials Annual Conference. Dermid, G., Morning, K., and Larson, T. Relaunched Survey Tailors Workforce Development Opportunities. Oral Presentation. New Orleans, LA, July 2018.
  • Workshop Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference. Dermid, G., Morning, K., and Larson, T. Trials and Tribulations Turn Into Successful Engagement with a Diverse Rural Community. Oral Presentation. New Orleans, LA, May 2018.
  • Workshop Presentation, National Network of Public Health Institutes Public Health Workforce Forum. Morning, K., Dermid, G., and Larson, T. Utilizing Technology and Students to Expand Public Health Communication. Oral Presentation. New Orleans, LA, May 2018.
  • Workshop Presentation, IMPACT Community Health Worker Conference. Dermid, G. Investing in Superheroes: Utilizing Social Media and Effective Marketing Techniques to Tell Your Story. Oral Presentation. Reno, NV, May 2018.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Public Health Association
    • Member 2020 – Present
    • Executive Board, Human Rights Forum 2023
  • American Advertising Association
    • Member 2023 – Present
  • American Marketing Association
    • Member 2023 – Present
  • Association for Consumer Research
    • Member 2023 – Present
  • Association of Accredited Public Health Programs
    • Member at Large, 2020
    • President, 2021 – 2022
    • Past President 2023
  • Future Kind Paraguay
    • American Board of Directors Member, 2021 – Present
  • Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) Ally Action Group
    • Advisory Board Member, 2021 – Present
  • Nevada Public Health Institute
    • Board of Directors Member, 2013 – Present
    • Treasurer, 2013 – Present
  • Niyo Foundation/Niyo Kids Rwanda
    • Board President, 2016 – Present
  • Samburu Girls Foundation Kenya
    • Chairman of the Board, 2022 – Present
    • American Board of Directors Member 2022 – Present
  • Society for Health Communications
    • Member 2022 – Present

Sponsored Research Projects

  • 2022 – 2026 WEST ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    • Capacity Building, Technical Assistance, Training, and Communications for Environmental Justice
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2022 – 2024 NATIONAL OFFICE OF MINORITY HEALTH/HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Harnessing the Power of Our Youth: Black Youth Mental Health Policy Grant
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2022 – 2026 WESTERN REGION PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING CENTER/HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
      • Capacity Building, Training, and Workforce Assessment
      • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2022 – 2023 NEVADA CANCER COALITION
    • African American/Black Rural Health Breast Cancer Screening Research Project and Communications Planning
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2022 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity
    • Faith-Based COVID Communications and Testing Project
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2022 IMMUNIZE NEVADA
    • COVID-19 Communications and Outreach Project
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 – 2023 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Nevada Workforce Development, Accreditation, and Rural Health Infrastructure
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 – 2023 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Congenital Syphilis Review Board and Community Communications Action Plan
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • COVID-19 Minority Health Communications Project
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 – 2023 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Needs Assessment , Monitoring, and Evaluation
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Sexual Risk Avoidance Health Equity Project
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 – 2023 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Hepatitis Elimination Planning Project
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/EXTENSIONS
    • Latinx COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Project
    • Role: co-Principal Investigator
  • 2021 – 2023 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Health Equity, Cultural Competency, and Health in All Policies Contract
    • Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity Partnership
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2021 – 2022 CARSON CITY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Quad County COVID-19 Response Support Project
  • 2021 – 2023 WASHOE COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT
    • Washoe COVID-19 Response Support
  • 2020 – 2022 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    • Rural Health and Safety Education and Training Grant
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2020 – 2024 ASSOCIATION OF ACCREDITED PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS
    • Strategic Planning and Engagement Expansion of National Public Health Programs
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2020 – 2021 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • COVID-19 Contract Tracing Training Project
    • Office of Public Health Investigations and Epidemiology
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2020 – 2021 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Faith Based Initiative Project Office of AIDS Partnership
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2020 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • COVID-19 Disease Investigations and Communications Project
    • Office of Public Health Investigations and Epidemiology
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2020 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Northern Nevada COVID-19 Response Support Project
    • Office of Public Health Investigations and Epidemiology
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2019 – 2021 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Health in All Policies Contract – Title XX
    • Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity Partnership
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2019 – 2021 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    • Gender and Sexual Minority and Health in All Policies Contract – State of Nevada
    • Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity Partnership
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2019 – 2024 NEVADA DIVISION OF PUBLIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
    • Prevention, Surveillance, and Evaluation Support of Opioid Data to Action (OD2A) – CDC Funding
    • Office of Public Health Investigations and Epidemiology Partnership
    • Role: Principal Investigator
  • 2014 – 2022 HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
    • Regional Public Health Workforce Development Grant
    • University of Arizona Partnership
    • Role: Primary Contractor, State Co-Principal Investigator
  • 2018 – 2021 HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
    • ANE – SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Grant) University of Arizona Partnership
    • Role: Primary Contractor, State Principal Investigator

Professional Awards

  • Ph.D. Project Scholar, 2023
  • American Public Health Association Climate Change Communications Fellow, 2023
  • German Marshall Fund Brussels Summit Faculty Delegate, 2021
  • Senior Scholar Faculty Mentor Award, 2021

Education

  • MBA, Health Marketing, University of Nevada, Reno
  • B.A., Sociology (Human Rights) and Classical Studies, Loyola University New Orleans