Remembering Wanda Hill
The Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) in the Office of the Director mourns the passing of their long-time colleague Wanda Hill. With more than 40 years of federal service, including 22 years at ODP, Hill quickly became a cornerstone of their staff. Her unwavering commitment and readiness to lend a helping hand made a lasting impact on all who worked with her.
Before coming to ODP, Hill supported the director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the National Cancer Institute, where she prepared protocols for numerous studies and organized essential meetings and conferences. Her attention to detail and skill in fostering connections were evident even then.
At ODP, Hill served as a program support specialist, helping countless programs run smoothly. She played an active role in a multitude of office activities, as well as mentoring, advising and guiding co-workers through complex tasks.
Hill touched so many lives, as seen in the outpouring of positive messages being shared by current and past ODP staff. Colleagues remember her as kind, patient and cheerful—qualities she embodied in her work and interactions with others. Her welcoming smile brightened the office each day.
Many colleagues recall Hill as the first person they met when they joined ODP. But she became more than a reliable co-worker or source of institutional knowledge. Hill was someone you had a cup of coffee with first thing in the morning, when the office was still quiet. She’s someone you traded pictures of family with, tracking the milestones and achievements of children and grandchildren as they grew. She was authentic in everything she did and in every interaction.
Hill would give the unvarnished truth, with just the right amount of humor and compassion. Everything she did was in the service of others. Hill’s contributions and joyful spirit will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us all.