FORT EDWARD, NY — New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) announced the election of Elizabeth L. Phillips, MPH and vice president of community engagement at Sun River Health, to its board of directors.

Phillips brings 26 years of experience at Sun River Health, where she has led and supported interdisciplinary teams focused on improving community health. Her work spans the Hudson Valley, Suffolk County and New York City, supporting patients across Sun River Health’s network of 50 federally qualified community health centers.

As vice president of community engagement, she provides leadership and resources for grant-funded programs focused on prevention, wellness, health promotion and access to primary health care. She also serves as director of the Eastern Dutchess Rural Health Network, where she strengthens community partnerships, mentors AmeriCorps members and Community Health Workers and supports initiatives addressing rural health needs.

Phillips holds a master’s degree in public health from the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College. She believes that small, meaningful changes can lead to healthier lifestyles and stronger communities, a press release notes.

“Elizabeth has spent more than two decades connecting people to the care they need and her leadership at Sun River Health and the Eastern Dutchess Rural Health Network gives her firsthand insight into what works in rural communities,” said Jennifer Muthig, executive director of NYSARH. “Her experience with community health centers and rural health networks will strengthen our board and is exactly the kind of expertise we want guiding NYSARH’s work.”