The Metro Board of Health has appointed Dr. Sanmi Areola as the next director for the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD), he is set to start his tenure in February 2025. The decision was made following interviews with four finalists for the position on November 21. Dr. Areola, with an extensive career in public health leadership, is no stranger to Nashville or the MPHD, having previously held various leadership positions there over the course of seventeen and a half years.
"Every county must be intentional in its focus on the health and well-being of its residents, as health is a critical part of the success and economic development of every community," Dr. Areola stated. His past roles include serving as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services, and Education in Prince George's County, Maryland, and heading the Department of Health and Environment in Johnson County, Kansas, where he led efforts to combat COVID-19. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Areola's appointment, noting his deep technical knowledge and dedication to serving the residents of Nashville.
Dr. Areola's history with the MPHD includes tenures as the Deputy Director and, on two separate occasions, as the Interim Director of Health. His comprehensive understanding of the local public health landscape is expected to guide his leadership in addressing the diverse health needs of the Nashville community.
The selection was influenced by the need for a visionary leader capable of ensuring equitable health opportunities for all Nashville residents. "The work of the Metro Public Health Department impacts people all across our community, and a key consideration in selecting the new Director of Health was ensuring the new leader has a clear vision where all people, regardless of background, can participate in achieving their full potential for health and well-being," said Tené Franklin, Chair of the Metro Board of Health. During the transition, Dr. Joanna Shaw-KaiKai will continue to serve as Interim Director of Health until Dr. Areola assumes his role next year.
