Dr. John Dunn, a proud native of Nashville, Tennessee, has devoted his life to protecting the health and well-being of his community. From an early passion for science, he pursued a BS in Zoology at Louisiana State University, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. After three years in mixed animal practice, Dr. Dunn returned to academia, earning a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences (Epidemiology and Community Health) in 2003. During this time, he collaborated with USDA-ARS to study the pre-harvest epidemiology of Shiga-toxigenic E. coli in ruminants, a reflection of his enduring commitment to bridging animal and human health. In 2022, he expanded his leadership skills with an Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership from the University of Tennessee’s Haslam School of Business.

Dr. Dunn’s career in public service began in the U.S. Public Health Service when he joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer. In this role, he responded to national and international outbreaks, supported disease surveillance efforts, and advised on critical public health investigations. These experiences reinforced his dedication to protecting communities through science, compassion, and collaboration.

In 2005, Dr. Dunn returned home to Tennessee, where over the past 21 years he has served in a variety of leadership roles at the Tennessee Department of Health. From Director of Foodborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases to Deputy State Epidemiologist and State Public Health Veterinarian, and later as State Epidemiologist, he has guided efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure, prevent disease, and prepare the state for public health emergencies. On July 11, 2025, he was appointed Interim Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health, providing executive leadership for one of the state’s largest public service agencies and ensuring the health and safety of Tennesseans.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Dunn has remained a steadfast advocate for collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement. He is actively involved in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV), and in 2024, he was honored with election to the American Epidemiological Society. His enduring professional passions include infectious disease epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, and pre-harvest food safety. Through decades of dedicated service, Dr. Dunn exemplifies the belief that public health is not just a profession, it is a calling, one grounded in science, leadership, and a deep care for the people it serves.