Kira Rodriguez, M.H.S.

As a member of UNE's Center for Excellence in Health Innovation’s professional research and consulting staff, Ms. Rodriguez has worked on program evaluation projects and population health needs assessments for regional and state governments as well as health workforce programs, health care providers and health systems.  This includes responsibility for the design, implementation and analysis of evaluation research; responding to internal and external reporting needs and evaluation project management.  During her tenure at UNE, major projects have included managing a statewide population health needs assessment for the Maine’s 3 major health systems, conducting a health disparity focused assessment for United Way of Greater Portland and serving as project lead for a statewide evaluation of Maine’s Healthy Maine Partnerships program. 

Ms. Rodriguez is currently the evaluator for 4 health workforce/education programs at the University of New England:

1. Maine Area Health Education Center (ME AHEC) Network – Lead Evaluator for all programs including Health Careers Pipeline, UNECOM Rural Community Health Rotations, and Continuing Education for Medical Professionals Programs
2. Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (ME SNAP-ED) – Member of Internal Evaluation Team providing process and outcome measurement of direct education, social marketing campaigns, and policy, systems and environmental change work. 
3. University of New England Center to Advance Interprofessional Education and Practice (UNE-CAIEP) – Lead Evaluator for didactic, simulation and case-based interprofessional offerings on-campus. 
4. University of New England Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) Training Grant - Lead Evaluator and Data Coordinator

Prior to her position at UNE, she worked as the Planning Director for a community health center in rural Alaska, developing programs and services, ensuring compliance with federal reporting requirements, and working with community partners to evaluate and respond to health needs.  Ms. Rodriguez evaluation experience also includes a five-year position as the Senior Research Program Manager for a comprehensive evaluation of a community based home visiting program for at-risk families conducted by the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Medicine.