Two MMA Members Named to Immunize Minnesota Steering Committee

July 23, 2026

Two MMA members, Caleb Schultz, MD, and Robert Jacobson, MD, have been named to the inaugural Immunize Minnesota Steering Committee.  

Immunize Minnesota’s mission is to improve immunization rates and vaccine confidence for all Minnesotans through community organizing, education, and statewide partnerships. 

This group of leaders, advocates, and clinical experts brings together a range of sectors to guide the coalition's mission, dismantle barriers to healthcare vaccine access, and champion vaccine equity across Minnesota. 

Steering Committee members include: 

Community-Based Organizations & Patient Advocacy 

• Karen Ernst (Voices for Vaccines): A veteran advocate specializing in grassroots community mobilization, national immunization networks, and legislative lobby days. 

• Jenny Oliphant (Independent Researcher & Walden University): A behavioral epidemiology expert focused on training non-traditional providers—such as the oral health workforce—to deliver effective HPV vaccine communication. 

• Caleb Schultz, MD, (Individual/Family Representative): A physician, public health advocate, and individual living with a medical disability who brings foundational continuity and a personal dedication to protecting at-risk populations. Schultz, a member of the MMA Board of Trustees, has been named a co-chair of the steering committee. 

Governmental & Public Health Infrastructure 

• Marie Maslowski (Hennepin County Public Health): Former co-chair of the NACCHO Immunization Workgroup; experienced in managing mobile immunization clinics and local government outreach and currently supervising the Baby Tracks Immunization reminder program. 

• Holly Blilie (Polk County Public Health): More than 20 years of nursing expertise, currently overseeing Disease Prevention and Control and Immunization Coordination at Polk County Public Health, and a member of the MPHA Governing Council. 

• Becky Neudecker (Minnesota Department of Health - Technical Advisor/Non-voting): Experienced coalition-builder and former director of MDH's COVID-19 Public Hotline, serving as our vital bridge to state-level resources and subject matter expertise from the MDH Immunization Program. 

Healthcare Systems & Clinical Practice 

• Munira Maalimisaq (Inspire Change Clinic): CEO and nurse practitioner specializing in executing vaccine confidence campaigns, countering misinformation, and building trusted relationships with underserved communities. 

• Robert Jacobson, MD, (Mayo Clinic): Pediatrician and medical director for Mayo Clinic's primary care immunization program, bringing decades of academic, clinical, and publishing authority. 

Health Plans & Professional Associations 

• Patty Graham (HealthPartners): A 30-year public health veteran who specializes in coordinating joint initiatives across Medicaid health plans to break down healthcare silos. 

• Jeff Bauer (Minnesota Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics): Executive director of MNAAP, connecting the coalition to nearly 1,000 pediatricians and bringing extensive experience managing national AAP grants. 

• Ann Philbrick (University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy): Frontline clinical pharmacist and educator who has trained pharmacy professionals in immunization delivery since 2010. 

• Merry Grande (Minnesota Public Health Association): Executive director of MPHA, bringing a steadfast commitment to collaborative public health initiatives that advance community health and inclusion. 

The steering committee will meet soon to define coalition membership and prepare for a full launch in August, coinciding with National Immunization Awareness Month. For more on Immunize Minnesota and to sign up for updates, please visit immunizemn.org or email immunizemn@mpha.net.