Dale Grosskurth, Director of Environmental Health & Safety with Marathon County Health Department was the recipient of the 2012 Environmental Health Professional of the Year on April 26, 2012. The recipient is someone who is seen as an exemplary role model for public health professionals and has contributed much to the current status of environmental health in Wisconsin. This is the highest honor an environmental sanitarian can receive in their professional career. A few words for why Dale;
Dale has worked collaboratively at a local, regional and state level to advance environmental health programs and policies that impact our communities. He understands and values the need to listen and understand varying opinions and positions on a given issue, seeking “win-win” solutions whenever feasible. Dale has served as chair for the WALHDB-EH from January 2008 to May 2011. Serving in a leadership role at a state level, Dale was able to strengthen the working relationship between the DATCP, DHS and agent health departments. During his tenure, a Temporary Food Committee was formed to address licensing and inspection conflicts in State statute and administrative codes. In looking to the future, WALHDAB-EH added a term limit to the role of Chair, putting in place a vice-chair thereby expanding leadership opportunities for members.
In 2010-11, Dale was able to contribute to the recommendations generated by the statewide Raw Milk Workgroup, articulating safeguards that would need to be met for any proposed legislation on permitting the sale of unpasteurized milk in Wisconsin. Locally, regionally and at state level, Dale is valued for his integrity – being able to bridge differences among varied stakeholders, ultimately resulting in everyone working to achieve our common goal, that is, to create healthy communities.