Meet a Member: Camille Walker, APHL
Meet PAR member Camille A. Walker, Manager of Corporate Relations for the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
What do you find most rewarding about your work in associations?
What I find most rewarding working at associations, specifically at APHL, is knowing that the relationships we build directly support public health laboratory professionals across the US and globally, as well as the communities they serve. It’s fulfilling to see how strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts can drive real, meaningful impact. I transitioned from the publishing industry to the association world because of an enterprise-wide layoff from the publishing company where I used to work in Washington, DC. My first association marketing position was at AHLA, and I enjoyed working with the health law members and staff. There was a sense of community and friendship that I didn’t experience in the publishing sector.
Association work can be challenging and exhausting, but you can meet new people who support the same mission and values that you have, but come from different walks of life.
If you weren’t working in associations, what other career could you see yourself pursuing?
I formerly worked in marketing and circulation departments for small publishing companies. I loved working for a small cross-stitch magazine company in Atlanta, GA, and for a telecommunications newsletter company in Washington, DC. Publishing introduced me to marketing, advertising, and sales. Publishing emphasizes creativity, storytelling, innovation, and the love of reading. In the early 2000s, many people in the industry claimed that print would die and eBook technology would take over. However, publishing is still thriving, and I would love to work as an assistant director of marketing or publications for a small publishing company.
What is your favorite quote or motto that keeps you motivated?
This is my favorite quote: “Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development because success is something you attract by the person you become.” I’ve added it to my personal email signature.
If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would it be and what would you do?
I would live in Oahu, HI. Hawaii is my favorite vacation destination. I’ve traveled to Oahu and Maui. I love the people, friendly culture, beautiful beaches and the weather in Hawaii. I would run a bed and breakfast, read a lot of great espionage and mystery books, listen to Prince music, and travel bi-annually to Washington, DC to visit my family.
What would you do if you had an unlimited budget for your association?
If I had an unlimited budget at APHL, I would invest deeply in three key areas: capacity building, innovation in public health lab automation and strategic partnerships. First, I’d ensure every public health laboratory in the US and globally has state-of-the-art equipment, data systems, and workforce training resources to rapidly respond to emerging threats. Second, I would fund bold innovations in diagnostics, data interoperability, and workforce development because we need to prepare not just for today’s public health challenges, but tomorrow's as well. Finally, I would expand APHL’s engagement with corporate philanthropic, and international partners to co-develop sustainable, high-impact initiatives. With the right resources we could redefine the global standard for public health preparedness and equity.
Meet PAR Member Organization: APHL
The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally. APHL represents state and local governmental health laboratories in the United States; this includes public health, agricultural, environmental and other related laboratories. Its members, known collectively as “public health laboratories,” monitor, detect and respond to health threats.