Courtney Highshaw is a public health executive, strategic leader, and community builder dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of women, children, families, and communities across Louisiana. As Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office on Women’s Health and Community Health at the Louisiana Department of Health, she leads statewide initiatives focused on maternal and women’s health, preventive care, workforce development, legislative engagement, and cross-sector partnerships.

With executive leadership experience spanning public health, human resources, and organizational strategy, her superpower is the ability to bring people together to solve complex challenges. She is also energized by collaborating across multiple disciplines to develop innovative, community-centered solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen systems of care.

Within her role as Deputy Assistant Secretary, she has represented the Office on Women’s Health and Community Health on the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, as well as on statewide commissions and advisory bodies addressing issues impacting women, children, and families. Working alongside fellow executive leaders, she has helped develop recommendations for the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission, including advancing access to free adaptive swim lessons for children with autism to promote water safety, inclusion, and health equity.

Her leadership experience extends beyond public service; her participation in international leadership and business exchange programs in Nigeria and the U.S. Virgin Islands has strengthened her commitment to collaborative leadership and global perspectives.

However, her proudest moments are the memories she is blessed to create with her family; her husband, Christopher, and her children, Lauren and Deuce, are her pride and joy. She is passionate about youth sports, children’s physical fitness, and the growing role of food as medicine in improving lifelong health. She also enjoys volunteering, competing in HYROX events, traveling, and creating meaningful experiences with her family. Her service commitments include being a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Baton Rouge Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.