San Francisco Health Commission honors Dr. Ayanna Bennett as she heads to lead public health in Washington, D.C.
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Summary
The Health Commission passed a resolution honoring Dr. Ayanna Bennett for two decades of service, her leadership of the Office of Health Equity and role as COVID-19 incident commander; commissioners praised her culture-change work and she thanked staff and colleagues.
The San Francisco Health Commission unanimously approved a resolution on June 20 honoring Dr. Ayanna Bennett for her leadership at the Department of Public Health and for her appointment as director of health for Washington, D.C.
Secretary Moritz read a draft resolution noting Bennett's service to the city since 2004, her role in developing the Department's equity infrastructure and the Equity Action Plan, and her leadership as the city's longest-serving COVID-19 incident commander. Commissioners offered tributes in which they credited Bennett with bringing structure, rigor and cultural change to the department.
"Your leadership throughout the years, but especially in these last five years, has been unmatched," Commissioner Guillermo said. Commissioner Christian called Bennett's leadership "stunning" and praised her work on the Equity Action Plan. Commissioner Green described Bennett as the Commission's "North Star" on health equity.
Dr. Bennett addressed the Commission, emphasizing the importance of measurable culture change: "It's not okay just to talk about it. We should have something to say about what's happened and there should be something that happened between one point and the next," she said, thanking colleagues for the opportunities to take risks and for the progress she's seen across the department.
The Commission then called the vote; President Bernal recorded "Aye" from commissioners and noted there were no opposed votes. The Commission invited Bennett to the podium for remarks and a photo with commissioners before public comment.
The resolution records the Commission's appreciation for Bennett's service, wishes her well in her new role and memorializes her contributions to health equity and departmental leadership.
