Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has appointed Dr. Travis Gayles to serve as the County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services. The appointment was approved by the County Council and Dr. Gayles began his new position in mid-September.

As announced by a Montgomery County press release:

“I am pleased that Dr. Gayles has joined the leadership team in Montgomery County,” said Leggett.  “The health and well-being of our residents is of great importance and he has the combination of experience and training to be an important asset to our community.”

“We are very happy to welcome Dr. Gayles to his role,” said Uma S. Ahluwalia, director of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.  “We are fortunate to have such an accomplished public health professional join our team.”

Gayles was most recently the chief medical officer for the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Administration and division chief for STD-TB Control for the District of Columbia’s Department of Health.  Prior to joining the District, he served as the director of HIV Testing and Prevention for the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago/Northwestern where he served as primary care provider for adolescents and young adults living with HIV, as well as the Chicago House Social Service Agency’s Home for transgender women living with HIV.

Dr. Gayles replaces Uma S. Ahluwalia, Director of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, who served as Acting Health Officer following the untimely passing of Dr. Ulder Tillman earlier this year.

Read the full press release to learn more.