AI Summary

Nicola Close, who died at 75 from cancer, was a public health leader and chief executive of the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH). She began as the organisation’s sole employee in 2007 and grew it to 19 staff, making it a key voice for local public health leaders. During the Covid‑19 pandemic, ADPH’s directors gained prominence as they led local responses and implemented national guidance. Close worked to remove barriers to data sharing and arranged regular meetings between directors and UK chief medical officers, improving communication between central government and communities. In 2025 she was awarded an MBE for services to public health.

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