Dorothy Cilenti

Dorothy Cilenti, DrPH, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. She directs the National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Workforce Development Center, a federally funded initiative under the Health Resources and Services Administration. Her work focuses on strengthening public health systems for underserved populations, particularly through workforce development, implementation science, and evidence-based practice.

Dr. Cilenti holds a DrPH in Health Policy and Management from UNC Chapel Hill (2009), an MPH and MSW from the same institution (1989), and a BS in Psychology from Duke University (1985). She has secured over $55 million in grants and contracts, serving as Principal Investigator for more than 40 projects. Her leadership roles include membership in the UNC Faculty Council, the JPHMP Editorial Board, and the Public Health Accreditation Board’s site visitor program.

Her research emphasizes public health systems and services research, with a focus on maternal and child health equity, quality improvement, and systems integration. Key awards include the 2018 Director’s Award from HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Her training initiatives prioritize skills like population health management and evidence-informed decision-making for state agencies.

Dr. Cilenti’s publications span academic journals and edited volumes, addressing topics such as collaboration frameworks, accreditation innovation, and partnerships for health equity. She leads the Gillings School’s engagement with Title V agencies and academic-practice partnerships to advance MCH outcomes in North Carolina and beyond.