Dr. Ayanna Bennett, MD, MSPH, FAAP, is the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health), with over 20 years of experience advancing health equity, improving healthcare quality, and leading systems-level change. A pediatrician and servant leader, Dr. Bennett’s career has been rooted in addressing health disparities through data-informed decision-making, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.

She previously served as Executive Director of the 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic in San Francisco and later held leadership roles at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, where she focused on integrating research, education, and service delivery to drive equitable health outcomes. Appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and confirmed by the DC Council in 2023, Dr. Bennett is leading efforts to build a healthier and more just District of Columbia through community-driven, equity-centered strategies.