It's going to be tough filling the shoes of two of the directors at the Chicago Department of Public Health, but that's the task at hand, as Daniel O. Ash and Tracy Fischman both prepare to leave their positions and return to the private sector.
Ash, who was the marketing and communication director of the City's STD/HIV/AIDS division since 2000, will join the National Center of Poverty Law as director of communications. Ash was co-author of the acclaimed The Faces of AIDS and will leave CDPH the end of this week.
Fischman, director of policy and legislative affairs for the City's STD/HIV/AIDS division, will become the new vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area. She has been with CDPH for almost four years and in her new role she will primarily focus on the organization's public affairs, communications, political organizing and public relations activities.
"My time with CDPH has been a both challenging and creative period especially with our production of The Faces of AIDS," Ash said. "I hope the department will continue with innovative and creative strategies for communications on all health issues, especially HIV/AIDS. I think the STD/HIV/AIDS division led the way in innovative and artistic messages that effectively reached the community. And it's clear that other divisions are following their lead."
Ash added that Frank Oldham Jr. [ now executive director of Horizons ] , who initially hired him, and his current boss, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Brown, both realized the need for creativity.
"They both made the job much easier," he said. "And they knew that bumper stickers simply weren't enough. That's why we had projects like The Faces of AIDS and [ the film ] Kevin's Room. Now similar projects are being created for substance abuse, diabetes and other health concerns. And one of the good things about working as an advocate in city government is you understand a side of the equation that many in the private sector do not. Now, as I move to my new position, I think I'll have a greater understanding of the full spectrum of advocacy."
Fischman said she will still remain connected to HIV/AIDS issues. "I am heavy hearted as I leave CDPH, but I'm also excited because I'll be able to continue working in a world that has become my life—preventing new infections of HIV/AIDS. But now, I'll focus on families who are at risk for HIV and who require critical planning services, including the choice of abortion."
Brown said, "It is with mixed emotions that I along with everyone at CDPH say farewell to Tracy and Daniel. We are very pleased to see these two bright and talented individuals pursuing new challenges in their lives, even if it means we no longer will work directly with them."