April Roeseler, BSN, MSPH

Former Branch Chief, California Tobacco Control Program, California Department of Public Health

Ms. Roeseler retired as the Branch Chief of the California Tobacco Control Program, after 34 years of service with the California Department of Public Health. Ms. Roeseler began her work with the California Tobacco Control Program at its launch in 1989. During her tenure, she directed initiatives focused on changing social norms, advocacy, and direct cessation efforts. These initiatives led to a more than 80 percent reduction in per capita cigarette consumption, decreased adult smoking prevalence to 10 percent by 2019, halved lung cancer mortality rates, and saved $134 billion in healthcare costs by reducing tobacco-related illnesses. Ms. Roeseler has authored and co-authored numerous articles about the California Tobacco Control Program, covering its history, coalitions, tobacco marketing strategies, and “Kick It California,” formerly known as the California Smokers' Helpline.