Kristen Naney

Kristen Burwell Naney, Ph.D., is Director of Learning and Impact at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, where she leads the foundation's learning, measurement, and evaluation efforts to inform strategy and maximize impact across North Carolina. Her work focuses on using data, evidence, and community engagement to support equitable health outcomes and strengthen philanthropic decision-making.

Kristen brings more than a decade of experience in public health, epidemiology, research, and evaluation. Prior to joining the Trust, she served as a public health epidemiologist with the Durham County Department of Public Health, where she analyzed population health data, evaluated programs, and helped guide community health initiatives, including COVID-19 response efforts. She has also held research and academic positions at North Carolina A&T State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with a focus on community health, environmental justice, health equity, and resilience.

A recognized leader in health philanthropy, Kristen was selected as a 2022 fellow of the Grantmakers in Health Terrance Keenan Institute for Emerging Leaders in Health Philanthropy. She is passionate about advancing equitable, community-driven approaches to improving health and well-being and helping organizations translate learning into meaningful action.

Kristen loves to spend time outdoors with her husband and two sons. She also likes to read, watch movies, travel and connect with friends and family. She is a long-time member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and participates in the Environment and Epidemiology sections.