Health Committee Nominates Doctor Laquandra Nesbitt to Executive Board
September 25, 2025 | Committee on Health, Committees, Legislative, District of Columbia
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The additional meeting of the District of Columbia Committee on Health convened on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:38 AM in Room 123 of the Johnny Wilson Building. Chairperson Christina Henderson led the meeting, joined by Councilmembers Charles Allen, Brianne Nadeau, and Zachary Parker, confirming a quorum.
The primary agenda item was the consideration of a nomination to the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board. The committee voted on PR 26-240, which nominates Dr. Laquandra Nesbitt to fill a vacant seat on the board, previously held by Ramon Richards, with her term set to conclude on July 6, 2028. The Health Benefit Exchange Authority oversees the district's insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act, aiming to enhance consumer choice and affordability in health care plans.
Dr. Nesbitt, a board-certified family physician, has a robust background in public health leadership, having served as the director of DC Health from 2015 to 2022 and leading the district's COVID-19 response. Her experience also includes directing the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and her current role as senior associate dean for population health sciences at George Washington University. The committee discussed her commitment to health equity and her plans to improve health literacy and community outreach.
Councilmember Parker expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Nesbitt's nomination, highlighting her extensive contributions to the district. Following the discussion, the committee unanimously passed the nomination.
The meeting also touched on the role of health professional licensing boards, emphasizing the importance of appointing consumer members with relevant lived or professional experience. Chairperson Henderson clarified that these boards handle critical issues such as licensing approvals and disciplinary actions.
The meeting concluded at 11:44 AM, with the next committee session scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, where stakeholders will discuss the operations and accountability of the district's managed care organizations administering Medicaid benefits. This oversight hearing aims to ensure effective use of the substantial funds allocated to Medicaid programs for district residents.
The primary agenda item was the consideration of a nomination to the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board. The committee voted on PR 26-240, which nominates Dr. Laquandra Nesbitt to fill a vacant seat on the board, previously held by Ramon Richards, with her term set to conclude on July 6, 2028. The Health Benefit Exchange Authority oversees the district's insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act, aiming to enhance consumer choice and affordability in health care plans.
Dr. Nesbitt, a board-certified family physician, has a robust background in public health leadership, having served as the director of DC Health from 2015 to 2022 and leading the district's COVID-19 response. Her experience also includes directing the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and her current role as senior associate dean for population health sciences at George Washington University. The committee discussed her commitment to health equity and her plans to improve health literacy and community outreach.
Councilmember Parker expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Nesbitt's nomination, highlighting her extensive contributions to the district. Following the discussion, the committee unanimously passed the nomination.
The meeting also touched on the role of health professional licensing boards, emphasizing the importance of appointing consumer members with relevant lived or professional experience. Chairperson Henderson clarified that these boards handle critical issues such as licensing approvals and disciplinary actions.
The meeting concluded at 11:44 AM, with the next committee session scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, where stakeholders will discuss the operations and accountability of the district's managed care organizations administering Medicaid benefits. This oversight hearing aims to ensure effective use of the substantial funds allocated to Medicaid programs for district residents.
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