Dr. Barbara
Pullen-Smith, Ph.D.
Public health leader · Author · Breast cancer survivor · Wife and mother
Dr. Barbara
Pullen-Smith
Author · Public-Health Leader · Consultant
Riley Creations Photography
More than 35 years of service
Barbara Pullen-Smith, Ph.D. has more than 35 years of public health experience — beginning with community engagement, health advocacy and lay health advisor work for the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and the American Cancer Society.
At the state government level, she served in key positions during her 27 years in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, including founding Director of the NC Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities — serving in that role for 19 years. National leadership included past President of NASOMH and contributor to the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities.
Since retiring from DHHS in 2012, Dr. Barbara has continued to serve the broader community as an author, public health consultant, and entrepreneur. For five years, she served as a Professor at a local HBCU, where she developed and coordinated an Internship Program for undergraduate Public Health majors. Her consulting work continues to focus on diversity, health equity, healthcare access, health disparities and health advocacy.
Three years after retirement, Dr. Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2015 — a season that altered the course of her life and affirmed her life's work for others.
Dr. Barbara is a wife and mother of two adult sons.
Dr. Barbara Pullen-Smith
is a trailblazer.
She comes from a family of faith and fortitude. Barbara has been journaling since she was a teenager. Writing has helped her find peace, solace and courage to press through life's ups and downs, joys and pains.
Milestones
- Early career
Community engagement, health advocacy, and lay health advisor work with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and American Cancer Society.
- 27 years
Served in key positions in the NC Department of Health and Human Services, including founding Director of the NC Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (19 years). Retired from DHHS in 2012.
- National leadership
Past President of the National Association of State Offices of Minority Health (NASOMH). Contributor to the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities.
- 2012
Retired from DHHS. Began serving as a Public Health consultant, entrepreneur, and Professor at a local HBCU — developing and coordinating an internship program for Public Health undergraduates.
- July 2015
Diagnosed with breast cancer — a season that altered her life and affirmed her life's work for others.
- Today
Continues to serve the broader community as an author, Public Health consultant, entrepreneur, wife and mother of two adult sons.
Education
Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Health Administration, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Leadership Studies, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC