Boston Public Health Commission Welcomes New Board Members

The Boston City Council has voted to approve Dr. Sandro Galea and Gregory Wilmot to the Boston Board of Health. Both new members were appointed by Mayor Wu. The Council also voted to reappoint Phillomin Laptiste and Guale Valdez to serve another term on the Board.

"Dr. Sandro Galea and Gregory Wilmot will bring the necessary experience to the Board of Health to ensure our public health policy is responsive to the needs of all Bostonians. I am grateful to Manny Lopes and Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak for their service to our city," said Mayor Michelle Wu.

Mayor Wu has appointed Dr. Sandro Galea to serve as the Chairperson of the Board. Galea is a physician and epidemiologist currently serving as dean of the Boston University School of Public Health. Galea's research on social determinants of health, mental health, and trauma has been published extensively in peer reviewed medical and academic journals and publications. He is one of the most cited scholars in the social sciences field. He holds a medical degree from the University of Toronto, as well as graduate degrees from Harvard University and Columbia University. Galea is being appointed to a seat formerly held by Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and President of Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts.

"I am deeply honored by Mayor Wu's appointment to the Board of Health, and I look forward to serving the city of Boston during this challenging time," said Dr. Galea.

Greg Wilmot is the President and CEO of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. His appointment fills the community health center board seat that was recently vacated by Manny Lopes. East Boston Neighborhood Health Center is one of the largest community health centers in Massachusetts, and Wilmot oversees its over $200 million operating revenue and nearly 1,500 staff members. Wilmot has strong experience in health care leadership and administration. Prior to his role with East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, he served in senior management roles with AllWays Health Partners, the Boston Medical Center, and as a senior advisor to Governor Deval Patrick's Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

"I am thrilled to have Dr. Sandro Galea and Greg Wilmot joining the Board of Health. Both are outstanding leaders who add significant management, health communications, and academic rigor to the conversation about the future of public health in Boston. I look forward to working with them to guide and enhance the Commission's work," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission.

The Board of Health serves an important role in helping the Boston Public Health Commission achieve its health goals for the city. Throughout the Commission's history, agency staff have relied on the leadership of the Board to provide valuable agenda setting, oversight, guidance, and policy development functions. The Board's support is particularly important as BPHC leads the response and recovery from COVID-19, works to eliminate health inequities in Boston, and strengthen mental and behavioral health interventions and resources available to residents.  

The next Boston Board of Health meeting is set for June 8.

About the Board of Health and Boston Public Health Commission

The Boston Public Health Commission, which functions as Boston's health department, was established by a special act of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1995. The Board of the Boston Public Health Commission, which serves as the Board of Health for the City of Boston is governed by the Boston Public Health Act of 1995, Chapter 147 of the Acts of 1995. The Act grants the Board the powers and duties of boards of health under Massachusetts law, including the authority to adopt, amend and repeal reasonable health regulations. The powers of the Commission are exercised by or under the supervision of the seven-member board which is appointed by the Mayor.