Dr. Susan Berry, medical director for Children’s Special Health Services with the Department of Health and Hospitals, has been named administrator for the program. The federally-funded program is within DHH’s Office of Public Health.

Sharon Howard, assistant secretary for the Office of Public Health, made the appointment. She described Berry as uniquely qualified to lead the program that includes EarlySteps, the Birth Defects Monitoring Network and the Hearing, Speech and Vision Program.

“Dr. Berry is board certified in developmental pediatrics,” said Howard. “In addition to her experience as medical director, she has worked as the medical director for the New Orleans Health Department’s maternal child and health program. She has also served as Chapter Champion for the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program and is currently Chair of the Public Health Division of the LSU Medical School.”