Meryl Fury’s passion for health isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal. A top public health professional and industry leader with thirty years of experience, Fury actively advocates for plant-based nutrition as a core aspect of human health. Through her contributions as president and chief executive officer of the Plant Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM), she is helping transform lives through the power of food and education.
Fury began her career with a focus on education, initially obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 1992. Building on this, she earned a master’s degree in nursing management and leadership from North Park University in 2009. Fury additionally completed a master’s certificate in applied project management from Villanova University in 2014. Her academic path reflects a deep commitment to continuous learning and leadership in health care.
A Career in Public Health
In 2005, Fury entered the world of public health as a medical manager at the Kenosha Community Health Center’s prenatal clinic. Then, from 2007 to 2014, she served as a clinic coordinator for the Lake County Health Department Community Health Center. In 2014, she went on to become a nursing manager at Milwaukee Health Services Inc. Two years later, she became a registered nurse (RN) quality manager for Kenosha Community Health Center Inc.
From 2017 to 2018, Fury acted as a clinical quality improvement specialist for Children’s Community Health Plan (CCHP). In 2018, she transitioned to become a nurse manager at Elizabeth Residences, an elder care facility. Throughout these roles, she remained committed to enhancing patient outcomes across all stages of life.
Joining PBNM
Building from her experience in children’s care, adult care and elder care, Fury came to recognize a key failing of the health and wellness industry. Observing the rise of type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease around the world, she aspired to find a solution through a whole food, plant-based diet. This ambition led Fury to join PBNM in 2019 to advance a mission of prevention and education.
In her role as president and chief executive officer of PBNM, Fury collaborates closely with other organizations to promote healthy eating habits through education and outreach initiatives. Since COVID-19, she has led the organization to expand nationally. Driven by passion and science, she sees firsthand how children and adults benefit from plant-based alternatives and hopes to continue inspiring others to value fresh ingredients over processed food. As part of her initiative toward promoting health and wellness, Fury has written more than six magazine articles on plant-based nutrition.
Awards and Achievements
For her contributions in the field of health and wellness, Fury has received several awards and accolades. In 2013, she was presented with the Humanitarian Award for the Most Influential African American by the People’s Voice and was recognized with inclusion in the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes in 2025. Additionally, she has been recognized for her Six Million Seeds and More Plants on Plates projects, aimed at inspiring healthier food choices across communities. These initiatives reflect her ability to turn vision into action.
A Commitment to the Future of Wellness
Fury attributes much of her success to her resilience and commitment. As she works to advance a mission of health and wellness, she has never faltered in her ambition to promote a better lifestyle for those around her, especially children. She envisions a future where children regularly consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and mushrooms, ensuring that healthy lifestyles are prioritized, taught, and made available to them. With unwavering focus and dedication, Fury continues to advocate for a world where nutrition is a fundamental component of overall well-being.
