Marla Dalton, PE, CAE is executive director and chief executive officer of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). As chief staff officer, she provides leadership and direction for NFID in furthering its mission to educate and engage the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. She joined NFID in 2010 as senior director, education and public outreach, responsible for developing and implementing strategies to integrate public and professional education on vaccine-preventable diseases, expanding strategic partnerships and coalitions to include more than 265 partner organizations, and managing communications outreach initiatives including website and social media properties.

Dalton co-hosts Infectious IDeas, a podcast series where leading experts join NFID for thought-provoking conversations that lead to infectious ideas. Guests include humble heroes and future leaders working together towards a shared vision of healthier lives through effective prevention and treatment.

Prior to joining NFID, Dalton was senior vice president of education and consulting services at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) where she was responsible for the development and management of all live and online educational programs and products as well as APIC Consulting Services, Inc., a wholly-owned, for-profit subsidiary. Prior to joining APIC, she was executive vice president of the Industry Leaders Council at the American Society of Civil Engineers and executive director of The Infrastructure Security Partnership.

Dalton is a Certified Association Executive and a registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives, and serves as a nonprofit advisor to Charity Navigator.

Areas of Expertise:

  • COVID-19 prevention strategies
  • Effective communications
  • Non-profit management
  • Vaccine confidence and addressing vaccine hesitancy

Quotes:

“Now more than ever, flu vaccination is critical to not only protect individuals and communities, but also to reduce the burden of flu on our healthcare system as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.” Source: ABC News

“We know there are safe and effective ways to offer a flu vaccine in a safe environment. Again, the same precautions: wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands are all recommended to create a safe atmosphere. In fact, we’ve just vaccinated the entire NFID staff to help keep us all protected. We believe the more vaccinated, the more protected.” Source: Associated Press

“Have a clear, concise strategic plan that can serve as a North Star against which the board can consider new ideas and projects. One that offers a balance between inspiring innovation and creativity without taking the organization off course or detracting from the mission.” Source: Associations Now

“We need to continue to do a good job telling the value of these vaccines through the eyes of providers. It’s measles today, but we don’t know what it’s going to be tomorrow.” Source: National Press Foundation

“To get through this pandemic, we need to continue to educate people about how best to minimize COVID-19 risks and build trust in the available vaccines. But these messages need to come from more than just public health and government organizations. They also need to be shared by trusted healthcare professionals, businesses, civic groups, and community leaders.” Source: PR Newswire

To arrange an interview, contact: Diana Olson, dolson@nfid.org, 301-656-0003 x140

Visit the NFID Newsroom for spokespeople, news conferences, and press releases.

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Updated January 2024