The de Beaumont Foundation has recognized Nebu Kolenchery in its 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2023. This honor highlights his transformative work at the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, where he led initiatives that revolutionized data-driven public health responses. Now, as the Chief Revenue Officer at Flourish & Thrive Labs, Nebu is set to bring his innovative approach to a broader public health landscape.
“The professionals chosen for the 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2023 demonstrate the determination, commitment, innovation, and resilience of the public health field,” said Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “Their work is strengthening communities and improving lives, and I look forward to following their careers and learning from them.”
“Nebu’s recognition is a testament to the shifting landscape of public health, emphasizing the critical role of local insights and technological leadership,” said Jefferson McMillan-Wilhoit, CEO of Flourish & Thrive Labs. “His deep understanding of local public health dynamics makes him an invaluable asset to our team.”
“In St. Louis, we faced unique challenges that required tailored solutions. Whether it was the mpox outbreak or the ongoing fight against COVID-19, we had to think outside the box and engage the community meaningfully,” said Nebu Kolenchery. “Our impact was a collective effort, and it’s a testament to what can be achieved when local public health is agile, community-centered, and technologically adept.”
In St. Louis, Nebu spearheaded the 2022 mpox response, leveraging local resources and community partnerships to increase testing capacity and awareness. His team’s innovative, community-centered approach turned potential critics into collaborators, leading to an effective rollout of testing, treatment, and vaccines. Beyond crisis management, Nebu has been a catalyst for modernization within the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. He led the implementation of Salesforce as a case management tool and spearheaded a congenital syphilis review board to develop community-driven solutions to the alarming rise in cases.
Now serving as the Chief Revenue Officer at Flourish & Thrive Labs, Nebu is poised to scale his local-centric vision. “Flourish & Thrive Labs is by local public health, for public health. Nebu’s expertise aligns perfectly with our mission,” added McMillan-Wilhoit. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience from St. Louis, enriching our team’s ability to transform public health at the grassroots level.”
For more information about the 40 Under 40 in Public Health, including a full list of honorees, visit the de Beaumont Foundation.
