Public health professionals globally were thrust into the limelight from the onset of the pandemic. As Tompkins County Health Commissioner, Kruppa was steadfast in his commitment to employing a firm but compassionate approach to the local COVID response during a time when the science was continually evolving. For close to two years, he met regularly with the county’s three higher education institutions, leaders from the local health care system, and various public safety officials to provide guidance for their respective COVID responses.
Kruppa later shepherded the strategic integration of the county’s public health and mental health services to create the new “Whole Health” department, with not only shared leadership and administration but also a shared mission and values. He and his staff have supported efforts to educate the next generation of public health professionals, facilitating access to internships, fellowships, and research opportunities. He has served as a guest lecturer and recently taught a course on public health in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance.
In March of 2025, Kruppa joined Centralus Health as Assistant Vice President, Community Program Development and Partner Integration, tasked with coordinating healthcare in underserved areas between Elmira and Ithaca and helping to establish a Crisis Stabilization Center.
Among other leadership roles, Kruppa has served as president of the New York State Association of County Health Officials Board of Directors, chair of the Tompkins County Health Planning Council and of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County Board of Directors, and member of the Board of Trustees of Tompkins Cortland Community College and of the Board of Directors of Care Compass Network. He holds a B.A. in environmental studies from Binghamton University, M.P.H. from the University of Albany, and M.P.A from the University of Central Florida.
Robert Moss
Robert Moss has a record of outstanding public achievement in the arts. Prior to his career as a director and educator, he concluded an active stage management career with the legendary APA Repertory Company, starring Helen Hayes, Rosemary Harris, Donald Moffat, and Nancy Marchand.
