Director, Practice Improvement and Consulting
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Houston, Texas
Alex Hurst is a dynamic leader in the realm of behavioral health, tobacco and cancer control, currently serving as the Director of Practice Improvement and Consulting for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing Network for Tobacco & Cancer Control. Based in Houston, Texas, Alex leads the National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco and Cancer Control, orchestrating a multifaceted array of initiatives. His purview spans the facilitation of provider Community of Practice, the strategic development of resources, and the provision of comprehensive training and technical assistance to local, state, and national partners.
Prior to his current role, Alex held pivotal positions at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he served as the Program Director of the EndTobacco® Program within the Department of Behavioral Science. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program, Project ECHO TEACH, and the Eliminate Tobacco Use Initiative.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Alex's academic journey reflects his commitment to public health and healthcare administration. He earned his undergraduate degree from Tulane University before obtaining his Masters in Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Alex is deeply engaged in community service and advocacy. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for The Center for Black Health and Equity, leveraging his expertise to advance health equity initiatives. Additionally, he is a dedicated member-at-large of the Cancer Alliance of Texas (CAT), contributing his insights and leadership since 2016.
Prior to his tenure at MD Anderson, Alex made significant contributions at the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI), where he worked tirelessly to address the needs of disparate populations across Louisiana. As the Cessation Program Manager for the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), he managed statewide cessation resources and collaborated with stakeholders to implement effective cessation interventions within health systems and communities.
With a profound dedication to public health and a track record of transformative leadership, Alex Hurst continues to drive impactful change in the realms of behavioral health, tobacco and cancer control.
B7 - Menthol and Mental Health: Addressing Health Equity Through Tobacco Treatment
Monday, April 15, 2024
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM CT