MPHA Member Spotlight: Cassie Ring

August 24, 2026

How long have you been an MPHA Member, and what do you find most valuable about your MPHA membership?  

I have been an MPHA member since 2016. What I value most about my membership are the connections I make at meetings and conferences, which help me create a positive impact in my local communities. I also value being part of a broader network of public health professionals who are working together to make Maine a healthier place to live, learn, work, and play.

Can you share a bit about your current role(s)?

I have served as a Program Manager for the past three years. In this role, I oversee Maine CDC funding for the Maine Prevention Network in York County, supporting our Substance Use Prevention, Tobacco Prevention, and Obesity Prevention teams. Working alongside these dedicated professionals allows us to strengthen prevention efforts and improve health outcomes across our communities.

Tell me a little bit about your path to public health, and who or what inspires you in your work? 

After earning my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, I began my career as a Fitness Specialist, working with individuals of all ages and abilities to improve health and quality of life through exercise prescription. After ten years at the same institution and earning a master’s degree in Exercise Science & Health Promotion, I accepted a position as a SNAP Nutrition Educator.  That role introduced me to public health and allowed me to explore childhood obesity prevention, a longstanding passion of mine. Through this work, I was connected to the Let's Go! program and eventually joined the team as a Coordinator. After nearly seven years in that role, I advanced into my current leadership role.

Youth are a tremendous source of inspiration for me. To create meaningful and lasting improvements in health outcomes, we must help young people develop healthy habits and coping skills early in life. I believe we have a responsibility to create supportive environments and opportunities that empower children and adolescents to thrive and build a healthy future.