Nicola Close, a prominent figure in the UK public health sector, has died at the age of 75. Close is best remembered for her tenure as the chief executive of the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), an organization she joined in 2007 when it had only one employee. Under her leadership, the ADPH expanded significantly, growing to a staff of 19 people.

Her work became particularly prominent during the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that placed immense pressure on local public health directors. Close was instrumental in providing the necessary support and infrastructure to help these directors navigate the challenges of implementing national guidance while providing local leadership. Colleagues and peers in the public health community have noted her contribution to strengthening communication and professional effectiveness within the field. Her career is marked by the successful scaling of the ADPH into an influential body that continues to shape public health policy and practice today.