Kortlahn Ballard, MPH

Epidemiologist

Kortlahn, a native of Houston, TX, earned her Bachelor of Human Sciences degree from Texas Tech University in 2019. Shortly after, she earned her Master of Public Health degree from Texas Tech University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2021.

She began her career in Fort Bend County as a case investigator, gaining valuable experience in public health. She later transitioned to a role with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District COVID-19 Response Unit as an epidemiologist, where she served as an integral part of the COVID-19 Mortalities team.

Kortlahn later joined the Oklahoma City-County Health Department as a general epidemiologist. In Oklahoma County, Kortlahn served as the subject matter expert in enteric illnesses, leading and supporting the Oklahoma State Department of Health in several outbreak investigations. She also gained knowledge and valuable experience investigating vaccine-preventable illnesses and zoonotic diseases.

In June 2026, Kortlahn joined the Victoria County Public Health Department (VCPHD) as the County Epidemiologist. She is excited to continue supporting public health efforts and conducting essential disease surveillance and follow-up activities in Victoria County.