Erin Hockaday

Surveillance & Investigation Director

Benton-Franklin Health District

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, one of my most significant accomplishments has been using my role at the health district to help influence public health policy and systems. I was honored to be selected to participate in revising an environmental health and safety code for K–12 schools that had not been updated in nearly 50 years.

Over the past year, I’ve been involved as a driving force in both local and statewide groups working to tackle a growing issue with unlicensed food sales. Specifically, we are seeing a particular operation of organized mobile food pop-ups traveling between cities across the state (and other states). These operations are ignoring sanitation and standard business practices and often marketing themselves as “mom and pop.” Over the last year, I’ve used my role as the environmental health director to gather local partners to combat this issue, in hopes of protecting our community from foodborne illness as well as protecting fair competition for our legitimate local businesses.

Name one thing about yourself you want people to know.

I am a complete introvert, so I’m happiest when I’m deep into a solo hobby. I love gardening, reading and recently learned to crochet.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was watering the plants at Columbia Grain and Feed in Pasco. My aunt managed the store for years. I would rush down there after school and water the plants each day, then run back to sports practice. While it wasn’t extremely taxing, it taught me to manage my time well and gave me an introduction to working face-to-face with the public.

If you had one wish for the Tri-Cities, what would it be?  

As an environmental health specialist, I’ve long advocated for a healthier built environment. Improvements in transportation systems, greater access to fresh food and health care, and more walkable communities would have a meaningful impact on public health in Tri-Cities. It’s an ambitious vision that won’t happen overnight, but I’m excited by the possibility of seeing communities continue to move in that direction.