Christen Smith
Senior Vice President, Abt Associates
Under Christen Smith’s leadership, the cross-disciplinary Abt team addresses social determinants of health, with emphasis on tackling inequities that undermine health outcomes.
“We recognize that health and well-being are shaped by numerous intersecting factors — systemic, social, economic and environmental, in addition to clinical and biological — that must be addressed to help people attain full potential for good health,” she said.
In a world disrupted by a pandemic, economic and social turbulence, escalating climate change impacts and more, Smith is proud of how Abt has advanced the science and its application for sustainable, equitable health.
Abt’s work generates new, health-promoting insights and impact, from conducting rigorous epidemiological studies for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and delivering equity-centered technical assistance to nationwide hospitals, to assessing the health impacts of climate change and environmental contamination on indigenous and tribal communities.
Why Watch
Smith looks to apply Abt’s considerable expertise across varied determinants of health to improve the nation’s public health. Bringing together research, technology and implementation science, she and her team are committed to meeting clients’ needs for evidence-based, whole-person health solutions.
“We help our clients understand and address root drivers of health,” she said, “to create meaningfully improved outcomes.”