Kristen Zak

Kristen Zak is the Deputy Director of the Overdose Response Coordination Office at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH).  In this role she oversees allocation of funding to the areas of the state most acutely impacted by the overdose epidemic and in addition to funding provides training, technical assistance, monitoring and oversight of 30 overdose prevention and response activities throughout the state.  Kristen has over 20 years of experience in government in health and human service agencies in the areas of program management, administration, policy and government and community affairs.  Before working at TDH, Kristen served as the Senior Advisor for Health and Wellness Policy for the Mayor of Nashville.  Prior to coming to Tennessee, Kristen worked for New York City government for 16 years at the NYC Department for the Aging, the NYC Council and the NYC Department of Homeless Services.  Kristen holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee.  

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides services directly and indirectly for everyone in the state. From public health services to emergency response efforts, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities, and inspection of food service establishments, the Tennessee Department of Health is changing the landscape for public health care access.