Meet Graham Miller from the Environmental Health Team!
For nearly 12 years, Graham Miller has served as a field health inspector for the Minneapolis Health Department, helping ensure the safety of restaurants, pools, hotels, and other public health establishments across the city. However, his dedication to public service goes back much further, more than 45 years.
Graham at an inspection
Before joining the Minneapolis Health Department, Graham spent two decades with the city of San Diego, where he supervised food safety operations for half of the city. He later transitioned into the private sector, where he built a national food safety program from scratch for the parent company of Old Country Buffet. At the peak of his time there, Graham was responsible for food safety at 900 restaurants in 47 states.
After his role with Old Country Buffet came to an end, Graham found himself living in the Twin Cities and applied for a position with the City. He’s been part of the Minneapolis Health Department ever since.
Leading with education, not fear
These days, Graham is based downtown, spending his time inspecting restaurants, providing guidance to food businesses, and building relationships.
“Every day is different, every inspection is different," says Graham. "You get to meet a lot of nice people.”
Although enforcement is a necessary part of the job, Graham believes in leading with support.
“Education is our first priority. We’re not here to scare people,” he said. “We’re here to help. I try to treat people the way I would’ve liked to have been treated when I worked in the private industry.”
This approach has certainly made an impact. The email Graham’s supervisor received after he worked on a Norovirus outbreak sums him up perfectly.
“He showed up like he really cared, like he was a partner. He taught us so many important food safety practices and principles that the then-bartender did not know, making a huge impact. Graham changed my life; he literally changed the course of my professional life!”
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Memorable inspections
Of all the inspections he’s done, one project stands out. Graham helped open the U.S. Bank Stadium, inspecting more than 120 food establishments in the months leading up to its launch.
“I was there three days a week for three months," he said.
One Day at a Time
What keeps Graham motivated after all these years?
“Take each day one at a time. Don’t carry yesterday into today,” he said. “Some days are harder than others, but you never know what someone’s going through. Just treat people right.”
As retirement gets closer, Graham is looking forward to spending more time with his family and animals, and a break from air travel.
“I’ve seen enough airports for a lifetime,” he said with a laugh.
Graham’s presence and impact are long-lasting.
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