Health Program Director Molly Polverento joined the Michigan Environmental Council in August, transitioning into the role formerly filled by Tess Karwoski, who has taken a part-time role with MEC.

Molly has worked in public health for the past eight years, including work related to violence prevention, cancer screening and chronic diseases. Most recently, she worked for the Michigan Public Health Institute as program coordinator for osteoporosis and other chronic diseases. Molly also spent two years organizing a statewide network of recovery advocates for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Michigan.

In her new role, Polverento represents MEC on Michigan’s Network for Children’s Environmental Health, working with other members to advance policies to reduce children’s exposure to toxics. She also coordinates the Michigan Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (MCAP) and works with LocalMotion and ACCESS to implement programs raising awareness of pesticide use in and around schools.

A native of Illinois, Molly earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Illinois and her master’s degree in education administration from Illinois State University.

“I am thrilled to work for MEC because it gives me the opportunity to work with others to improve the health of our children. It’s also a great opportunity to bring together two interest areas, health and environment, that usually do not work together but that have the potential to bring about great improvements to our lives.”

Outside of work, Molly spends her time reading, playing golf and spending time with her husband Gerry and son Sam, who is almost 1 year old.