Katrice Cain was recently named First Year Cleveland’s interim executive director. Since December 2018, Cain served as the Racial Disparities and Health Equity Program director, and led efforts to promote equitable community, institutional, system and policy solutions to improve birth outcomes in Cuyahoga County. In that role, she worked closely with the action teams and community partners to design and implement equity-centered research, programs and initiatives and was instrumental in expanding strategic partnerships to better serve expectant and new parents and families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Prior to First Year Cleveland, Cain worked at The Case Center for Reducing Health Disparities, where she coordinated National Institutes of Health-funded community-based research and programs and led their community engagement initiatives.
Her knowledge and experience span behavioral health, chronic disease management, maternal and infant health, disease prevention and health promotion. She serves on several local, state and national committees, gives numerous presentations, facilitates bias training, and has published peer-reviewed articles in her areas of expertise. Cain is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree with a concentration in health equity and social justice at Johns Hopkins
University. She has demonstrated a passion for serving her community and an unwavering dedication to improving factors that influence poor health outcomes. Her leadership and experience will help guide First Year Cleveland’s mission to ensure every baby has an opportunity to survive and thrive.
Cain looks forward to serving in this critical role, and offered her thoughts: “I am deeply honored to be selected to serve as FYC’s interim executive director, and I thank Bernie Kerrigan for her leadership and contributions in advancing FYC’s mission for the past five years. Although this role is temporary, I have a longstanding commitment to serving the best interests of our community residents, identifying effective strategies for change, and achieving equity. I hope this transition will be a period of reimagining and exploring new opportunities for FYC. With excitement and gratitude, I look forward to continuing our work to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, especially for Black families in Cuyahoga County.”
Cain’s appointment comes after her successor, Bernie Kerrigan, took over as president and CEO Achievement Centers for Children. Kerrigan was the inaugural executive director. She is noted for her tireless efforts, dedication and contributions that helped establish FYC in the community.
Cain can be reached at katrice.d.cain@case.edu or 216.368.5017.