Tekac, Bishop Honored as Distinguished St. Christine Alumni

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Mahoning County Public Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac and Health Commissioner of the Youngstown City Health District Erin Bishop were honored Monday as St. Christine Distinguished Alumni award recipients.

Both were commended for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Past award recipient, Dr. James Kravec, presented the awards to Tekac and Bishop, as well as to Karen Joseph, who taught second and fourth grade at St. Christine School.

“For the St. Christine community, we are extremely proud of the fact that the two leading health officials, Erin [Bishop] and Ryan Tekac, who helped lead the Mahoning Valley COVID-19 response, are both alumni from our great school,” said Kravec, Mercy Heath – Youngstown chief clinical officer and Mahoning County Public Health medical director.

Bishop had been employed by the Youngstown City Health District since 2011 and current serves as its health commissioner. She actively serves on many local boards and committees at the request of both Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and Gov. Mike DeWine.

“Erin led the COVID-19 relief efforts in the City of Youngstown,” Kravec said. “Her efforts helped save lives by planning and hosting vaccine efforts for tens of thousands.”

Tekac was promoted to Health Commissioner at Mahoning County Public Health just one month before the pandemic began. He led the community with the creation of county-wide vaccine clinics.

Pictured: Mahoning County Public Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac and Health Commissioner of the Youngstown City Health District Erin Bishop were presented their St. Christine Distinguished Alumni awards by Dr. James Kravec, Mercy Heath – Youngstown chief clinical officer and Mahoning County Public Health medical director.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.