Russell D. Hadan, M.A.

Air Quality QA/QC

Douglas County Health Department

Omaha, NE 68105

Biography

Russell D. Hadan, M.A. is currently the QA/QC specialist for the Air Quality program at the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) in Omaha, NE. Hadan is responsible for Air Quality data entry, equipment audits, radiation safety program, equipment orders, budget maintenance, EPA audits, NCore strategies, and the overall air program condition.  Since 2003 Hadan has helped the DCHD Air Program continue despite budget restraints and obtain new grants which helped the program go forward. One of the grants, Operation Refresh Omaha, reduced pollutants in and around the Omaha vicinity.  Hadan helped Douglas County obtain 1 of 75 NCore sites which monitor Air Quality across the United States.  These NCore sites are a research must for the scientific community.  Russell is also a member of the National Environmental Health Association.

      In 1998, Hadan began working as an environmental scientist at Midwest Laboratories in Omaha, NE.  Hadan tested waters, soils, and sludge for there chemical makeup.  Testing included such items as Nitrates, Cyanide, Fertilizers, BOD, COD, Ammonia, etc. 

      From 1995, Hadan served as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while pursing his Masters in Biology.  Hadan taught college students such curriculum as Biology I and II, Intro to Biology, and Laboratory.  Hadan was on the faculty review committee for the University and helped hire 4 new Biology Faculty members.  Russell also received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1995. 

     Hadan participated in the 2008-2009 CDC Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute Cohorts IV.

Leadership Development Opportunities

The Environmental Pubic Health Leadership Institute (EPHLI) provided me an opportunity that I feel could not be replicated within my Public Health Department.  Curriculum developed within the Institute made you think outside the box and develop methods needed to improve the Public Health Department. Many times I have felt one dimential at the my Health Department, but EPHLI has helped me to know that I have opportunities to change and develop our Health Department into something special.  

Through the help of Mentors, Fellows, and Coaches, I have tapped into skills that I didn't even know existed.  My coach was more than enthusiastic to lead my Individual Development Plan on the right track.  EPHLI has made me into a professional that feels capable of changing the Public Health profession, where before it felt hopeless.