#  Leading in the Secular World Through a Theological Lens 

 





Working in public health and public policy spaces, **Kevin Cranston, MDiv '86**, attributes his ability to think critically, lead effectively, and contribute to mission-driven organizations, to his theological education at HDS.



 

December 02, 2024

 

 

     ![Kevin Cranston, MDiv '86](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-03/Headshot_Kevin-Cranston.jpg?itok=w6-C164U) 

Kevin Cranston, MDiv '86



 



 

*Assistant Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (retired); Senior Policy Advisor, Bulfinch Strategies Group (Boston, MA)*

*View* [*more stories*](/community-life/career-services/alumni-career-snapshots "Alumni Career Snapshots") *on HDS alumni and their career paths.*

## Describe the work you do today: 

As assistant commissioner, I oversaw the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, conducting epidemiology on over 90 infectious agents and associated human diseases, developing infectious disease and related prevention policy, managing all pediatric immunizations, procuring clinical and community-based infectious disease service contracts, and managing the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory.

As senior policy advisor, I support clients on public policy initiatives, governmental funding strategies, and related regulations and legislation.

## How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey? 

Although working in the secular world, my degree prepared me well for policy analysis, the querying and articulation of ethical positions, the development of mission-driven organizations, and the management of staff at multiple levels. My pastoral counseling experience has served me well as a supervisor and team leader; my program development training has helped me make sound organizational and structural decisions; and my preaching training has enabled me to be an effective trainer and public speaker. But most importantly, my HDS degree taught me how to think, evaluate evidence, and build common understanding across disparate communities and disciplines.

## What career advice would you offer to current HDS students? 

Keep an open mind about where life and your degree may take you. My career, rooted in my MDiv training, has taken me to places I could not have imagined. If you end up working in the secular world, do not be shy about asserting your theological and ministerial training, though be prepared to explain the relevance of both to the current task.



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Alumni News and Profiles ](/discover-stories-about/alumni-news-and-profiles)