Metro Board of Health selects next Director of Health at Metro Public Health Department

The Metro Board of Health has named Dr. Sanmi Areola as the next Director of Health at the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD). Dr. Areola will begin his work as Director in February 2025. In addition to Dr. Areola, three other finalists for the role interviewed for the role on Thursday, November 21.

"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," Areola said. "I am excited at the opportunity to lead the efforts to improve, protect and sustain the physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of everyone that works, visits, plays or lives in Nashville as the Director of Health."

Dr. Sanmi Areola has a long experience in local public health departments leadership. Dr. Areola joins MPHD from Prince George's County, Maryland where he has served as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services and Education. Prior to his time in Maryland, Dr. Areola served as the Director of the Department of Health and Environment in Johnson County, Kansas where he led the response to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on residents of the county.

"Dr. Sanmi Areola knows Nashville well," said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "I am excited for his vision that is both rich in technical understanding but also in appreciation for what it means to effectively serve residents of Nashville. Protecting the health and well-being of our community is a foundational pursuit for Metro Nashville government, and I am excited for the work ahead with Dr. Areola."

Dr. Areola is not new to Nashville and the Metro Public Health Department. For seventeen and a half years, he served in various leadership capacities at the Metro Public Health Department, including roles as the Deputy Director and two separate assignments as Interim Director of Health.

"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. "We would like to thank Dr. Joanna Shaw-KaiKai for serving as Interim Director while we found the right person to lead the community's public health efforts."

Dr. Joanna Shaw-KaiKai began serving as Interim Director of Health after the announcement of Dr. Gill Wright's retirement in August. Dr. Shaw-KaiKai will continue to serve as Interim Director of Health until Dr. Areola moves into his new role in early 2025.