Newsroom
The RTI International behavioral health scientist brings 30 years of experience to the role
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. —The Society for Prevention Research (SPR), an international, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to prevention science, has selected RTI International’s Phillip Graham (DrPH) as its president-elect. Graham is a principal scientist in the health practice area at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute. Graham’s SPR term as president will begin on June 1, 2025, and will run through June 1, 2027.
As president, Graham will focus on achieving SPR’s key strategic goals, which include promoting health equity in prevention science, translating prevention science for diverse settings, advocating for prevention science, and increasing member support, engagement and diversity within SPR.
“I am excited and humbled to have this opportunity to lead this organization, which has been foundational to my commitment to empirically conduct my research to make the case for prevention in addressing substance misuse and community violence,” said Graham.
Graham will serve as the chairperson of SPR’s board of directors, the governing body that formulates policy for the society. His duties will include leading the annual SPR conference each May, appointing leadership for SPR’s board of directors, including chairs of standing committees, and managing the financial direction of the society.
SPR aims to advance scientific investigation on how to prevent negative outcomes and foster well-being for individuals, families and communities. It ensures this knowledge promotes a healthy and equitable society through research-informed and socially just programs, practices and policies.
Graham brings nearly 30 years of experience in conducting community-based research and evaluation focused on preventive interventions to address adolescent interpersonal violence and substance use. He also serves as RTI's representative on the board of directors of United Way of the Greater Triangle and on the Community Investment Committee.
He received his MPH and DrPH in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
