2016
Service NL

Sharon Williams’ career in public health spans a remarkable 37 years. During that career, she has made an important mark in health and safety practices. As Manager of Operations for Environmental Health she works with the community to build better, safer practices in a wide variety of fields. She has worked directly with municipal councils, environmental specialists, business people and social workers to address the unique needs facing people across the wide geography, and diverse needs, of our province.

Sharon has investigated numerous major food-related illnesses in the province, one of which resulted in a nation-wide recall. She is a go-to expert who has helped shape public health outcomes and systems, designing policy that mitigates risk for those who live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

She believes it is better to educate people as to why they need to protect public health, rather than simply quote regulations. From corner stores to super stores, farmer markets to restaurants, Sharon’s influence is quietly protecting workers as well as customers. She believes strongly in collaboration, simultaneously learning and teaching based on each new experience.

In a crisis she is level headed and logical, exemplifying strong leadership and guidance to those who need it most. When public health issues arise, she ensures lessons are learned and best practices adopted. Quite often, though, she has proactively assessed risk and helped prevent serious issues in our public health.

Currently she supervises a team that oversees public health programs and policies. Sharon is eager to pass on her knowledge and throughout her long career she has mentored newcomers to the field, ensuring knowledge is shared among those at the frontlines of public safety.