Philadelphia has chosen its new interim commissioner to lead the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Dr. Marquita C. Williams will be stepping in after Dr. Jill Bowen's departure to a state position in Vermont. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced the appointment of Dr. Williams effective April 16, 2024, and heaped praise on both the incoming and outgoing commissioners.

Dr. Williams, who served as Dr. Bowen's senior executive advisor prior to her new role, has been instrumentally involved in the development of policy and community engagement within DBHIDS. She's known for facilitating conversation between various stakeholders in the interest of creating a more inclusive and reflective policy environment. The city's leadership expressed their satisfaction with this transition, and confidence in Dr. Williams’s ability to meld the community's diverse voices into the policy-making process.

According to the city’s press release, Mayor Parker said, “We are so pleased and thankful that Dr. Marquita Williams has stepped up to serve as interim Commissioner of DBHIDS after the departure of Dr. Jill Bowen, who has been a tremendous leader throughout her tenure with the City and we thank her.” The mayor also expressed her deep respect for Williams' contributions to the city over the years.

Dr. Williams will not be a stranger to responsibility, having previously held the position of Deputy Commissioner of DBHIDS where she led initiatives on system goals and innovative solutions to address departmental priorities. In her prior appointment, she also managed the City’s public health vision with particular consideration to Philadelphia's Comprehensive Child and Adult Behavioral Health System. "I am committed to fostering continuity for the department, our providers and our community,” Dr. Williams told the press in reference to her new interim role. She also emphasized her dedication to supporting Mayor Parker’s vision and promoting the well-being of Philadelphia's residents.