Get connected to local public health leaders
April 2025
The Big Cities Health Coalition is a network of the leaders of America’s largest metropolitan health departments. Together, these public health officials in 35 cities support the health and well-being of the 61 million people they serve.
As you report your stories or consider new coverage ideas, contact BCHC and we can connect you with these leaders.
We hold regular media briefings where local health officials provide on-the-ground details about newsworthy issues such as infectious disease outbreaks, emergency response, and overdose prevention.
Our members – lead health officials in 35 of the largest U.S. cities – and expert staff
AUSTIN – Adrienne Sturrup
BALTIMORE – Mary Beth Haller
BOSTON – Bisola Ojikutu
CHARLOTTE / MECKLENBURG CO. – Raynard Washington
CHICAGO – Simbo Ige
CLEVELAND – David Margolius
COLUMBUS – Mysheika Roberts
DALLAS CO. – Phil Huang
DENVER – Karin McGowan
DETROIT – Denise Fair Razo
EL PASO – Vinny Taneja
HOUSTON – Stephen Williams
INDIANAPOLIS / MARION CO. – Virginia Caine
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Marvia Jones
LAS VEGAS / SO. NEVADA HEALTH DISTRICT – Cassius Lockett
LONG BEACH – Anissa Davis
LOS ANGELES CO. – Barbara Ferrer
LOUISVILLE – Connie Mendel
MEMPHIS / SHELBY CO. – Michelle Taylor
MILWAUKEE – Mike Totoraitis
MINNEAPOLIS – Damōn Chaplin
NASHVILLE / DAVIDSON CO. – Sanmi Areola
NEW YORK CITY – Michelle Morse
OAKLAND / ALAMEDA CO. – Kimi Watkins-Tartt
OKLAHOMA CITY-CO. – Patrick McGough
PHILADELPHiA – Raval Palak-Nelson
PHOENIX / MARICOPA CO. – Jeanene Fowler
PORTLAND / MULTNOMAH CO. – Kirsten Aird
SAN ANTONIO – Claude Jacob
SAN DIEGO CO. – Ankita Kadakia
SAN FRANCISCO – Susan Philip
SAN JOSE / SANTA CLARA CO. – Sarah Rudman
SEATTLE & KING CO. – Faisal Khan
TUCSON / PIMA CO. – Teresa Cullen
WASHINGTON, DC – Ayanna Bennett
BCHC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Chrissie Juliano
Collectively, our members’ jurisdictions span 23 states and directly impact 61 million people, or one in five Americans.
To learn more about BCHC or connect with our members, contact Elizabeth Green at egreen@bigcitieshealth.org