Kelly J Henning

Dr. Kelly J. Henning is an epidemiologist and medical doctor who has led the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies since 2007. She was the first director of epidemiology for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2003 to 2006. Henning received her MD from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her training in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also served as an associate professor. She trained in epidemiology at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Epidemic Intelligence Service in 1988.

Henning’s work with Bloomberg Philanthropies focuses on noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and chronic lung disease, which collectively cause over 40 million deaths annually. The program prioritizes curbing tobacco use, reducing preventable traffic injuries, and improving public health data collection in poorer countries. She emphasized demand reduction strategies for tobacco control, such as smoke-free public places, advertising bans, cessation services, pack warnings, and tax increases.

Henning has contributed to numerous research papers and presented at international conferences. Her work highlights the importance of global road safety and the effectiveness of proven interventions in saving lives.