Lezlie Poole serves as the Associate Director of the Caregiver Pillar at the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health & Caregiving Program (RCMHCP) at The Carter Center, where she leads national initiatives focused on supporting family caregivers, advancing mental health, and driving equitable access to health services. With over a decade of experience in public health, program development, and implementation with expertise in aging services, Lezlie brings a deep commitment to caregiver advocacy, systems change, and inclusive program delivery.

Prior to her current role, Lezlie was the Innovation Manager at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers where she directed programmatic strategies, led interdisciplinary teams, and strengthened caregiver support networks nationwide. Her work included overseeing evidence-based programming, implementing new research-based programming, and managing complex partnerships across public and private sectors. Earlier, she held key positions in program coordination and policy with organizations such as Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on aging, disability, and health equity.

Lezlie’s career is rooted in community-centered health initiatives and system-level solutions. She has contributed to the development of training tools, thought leadership reports, and cross-sector convenings aimed at transforming caregiver support and mental health advocacy. As Associate Director, she plays a strategic leadership role in shaping RCMHCP’s vision and execution—guiding the integration of research, education, policy, and practice to address the challenges faced by caregivers and those they care for.