Jacky Lagrace, M.H.S.A., a 2006 alumnus of the PHHP Bachelor of Health Science program, was scrolling through his work emails on a quiet Wednesday afternoon when a message from the University of Florida pinged his inbox. Moments later, a video announcement lit up his screen, congratulating him on his selection as a 40 Gators Under 40 award recipient, an honor that celebrates the impact and achievements of 40 outstanding young alumni who are going greater and generating momentum in their professions, communities and beyond.

As the vice president of population health for Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast, going greater is at the heart of Lagrace’s work. He is responsible for $1 billion in accountable care, including creating strategies for successful value-based care policies, and implementing processes to enhance patient experiences and health outcomes while increasing affordability.

“Right now, my organization has a big focus on annual wellness initiatives, such as managing chronic conditions and keeping people healthy through prevention. Our goal is for all patients to get the right care at the right place at the right time,” Lagrace said.

As a UF student, Lagrace quickly immersed himself in campus life, volunteering with Preview, the flagship welcome program for incoming UF students, and serving as a residence hall assistant. While he felt called to the health care field, he originally wasn’t sure in what capacity he would serve, and he explored options such as physical therapy and medicine. He was introduced to health care administration by then-UF Associate Dean for Minority Affairs Terry Mills, Ph.D., who advised him on different career pathways. After completing informational interviews with local hospital administrators and volunteering at UF Health Shands Hospital, Lagrace knew he had found his path.

Lagrace continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Health Services Administration degree. After graduation, he completed an executive management fellowship at Trinity Michigan, and was recruited to serve as a health care consultant with Medical Advantage Group.

“In my consulting work, I helped physicians and clinicians navigate the new world of health care at the time, including reimbursement,” Lagrace said. “I enjoyed working with the practice administrators, and it was from there that I followed the path of value-based care due to its strong alignment with my personal goals and values.”

Lagrace later branched out on his own and co-founded his first company, Home to Home, to serve seniors transitioning from home to a residential or assisted living community. He sold his business when he moved back to Florida from California.

“I just love kids and seniors,” Lagrace said. “They put a smile on your face. If we take good care of our youth and we honor our seniors, then we’re in a good place.”

In addition to his advocacy work for both geriatric and pediatric populations, Lagrace serves as the interim president for Ascension St. Vincent’s accountable care organization.

“One of my favorite aspects of my role is interacting with patients and hearing about what we can do to help individuals and their families reach their health goals,” Lagrace said. “Ultimately, that’s what we’re here for, serving patients and making an impact on communities. The Creator positioned me to collaborate with mission driven leaders and I’m thankful for the community driven leaders who helped influence my path in health care.”

When he’s not accelerating health care solutions, Lagrace can be found reading, walking or exploring one of Florida’s many beaches.

– By Katarina Fiorentino Klatzkow

Major Lara Poole has always lived following the motto: “The only limit is yourself.” The successes she’s achieved have been a direct result of this philosophy and are shown by the numerous leadership positions she’s held, as well as the frequent promotions in rank she has achieved while serving in the United States Air Force.

Poole, a 2014 Master of Public Health graduate, recently served as the Air Force District of Washington’s Command public health officer and as the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic’s public health flight commander. She led preventative health operations to ensure presidential and congressional airlift and was the district’s senior advisor on public health policy affecting nearly 600,000 beneficiaries around Washington, D.C. Poole was the only officer with an M.P.H. on her team.

From 2016 to 2020, Poole directed preventive health operations for half of the United States Air Force’s B-52 bomber fleet and one-third of its pilot training mission.

In 2020, she volunteered to deploy to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. While enduring mortar attacks, she collaborated with senior leaders from 30 partner nations to conduct a 2,900-participant COVID-19 study. Her efforts earned her the U.S. Air Force Biomedical Specialist of the Year 2021 – Company Grade Officer Category.

Poole’s UF 40 Under 40 recognition was a surprise. Her husband Jonathan, also a UF graduate and a U.S. Air Force officer, nominated her for the award.

Poole emphasizes the College of Public Health and Health Professions gave her the tools to achieve success.

“I want to brag about the University of Florida, because all the coursework was very diverse and provided the strong educational knowledge base required for a career in public health,” she said.

One of her favorite experiences at UF was participating in the Global Health Case Competition. The team of five students from several different majors were given the challenge of combating a public health crisis in Ukraine. Poole said their group worked well together, and (with some luck) achieved second place in the competition.

Poole was promoted to the rank of major earlier this year and this summer she began a new position as chief of community health programs with the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency. In this role, she works alongside senior public health leaders to support the Air Force Surgeon General. She is one of very few female officers who have risen to the rank of major in her division.

“I am appreciative of Air Force leadership who allowed me to pursue being an executive officer, where I was able to get a different perspective most public health professionals will never see,” she said. “It is humbling to know these leaders recognize I’m capable and willing to do more; to not become complacent and continue striving.”

That approach speaks to another saying Poole lives by: “Continue being the best version of myself.” She is also guided by a quote from physicist Stephen Hawking: “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change,” a sentiment that has inspired her throughout her career to grow and acclimate to any situation. She is grateful for her many mentors and wants to offer mentorship for others who may want to follow a similar path.

“I want to help others achieve their goals and ambitions and will be happy to be a resource for anyone who needs it,” she said.

Outside of work, Poole and her husband operate a small business selling antiques and vintage items, a relaxing and fun hobby for two busy Air Force officers.

– Anne Riker Garlington