PHILADELPHIA. – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced the appointment of Palak Raval-Nelson, PhD, MPH, as Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Currently, Dr. Raval-Nelson is Deputy Health Commissioner for the Department of Public Health; she will transition into the position as Commissioner on Monday, December 23, 2024.
After a comprehensive nationwide search process, Dr. Raval-Nelson rose to the top of the candidate list, given her extensive experience in public health, as well as her long-term commitment to improving Philadelphia’s health and quality of life.
“I am excited to announce the selection of Dr. Raval-Nelson as our new Health Commissioner for many reasons but at the top of the list is her longtime status as a city resident which has clearly provided her with a deep understanding of Philadelphia’s public health strengths and challenges,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Dr. Raval-Nelson has proven to us that as our new public health leader, she is dedicated to be a Commissioner who is laser focused on delivering the department’s mission to protect and promote the health of all Philadelphians and to provide a safety net for people who are disproportionately impacted by societal factors that limit their access to healthcare and other resources necessary for optimal health.”
Dr. Raval-Nelson has worked for the department since 1996 when she began her career as a public health sanitarian (inspector). Since then, she has served as a supervisor, manager, administrator, and most recently as Deputy Health Commissioner, responsible for oversight of the Divisions of Environmental Health Services, Air Management Services, Public Health Laboratory, Division of HIV Health, Office of Facility Management, Medical Examiner’s Office, and Health Human Services for the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Dr. Raval-Nelson also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University’s School of Public Health and Temple University. She teaches environmental and occupational health, as well as vulnerable populations and the environment. Dr. Raval-Nelson earned her B.S. in Biology from Temple University, an M.P.H. from MCP Hahnemann University (graduating with the distinguished Hiega Society Award), and a Ph.D. in environmental health and policy from Drexel University.*
“I am honored to be selected by Mayor Cherelle Parker to serve as the next Health Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia,» said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Deputy Health Commissioner. «I have dedicated most of my adult life to ensuring the safety and health of the residents of Philadelphia, and I look forward to continuing that work in line with the Mayor’s goals.»
The acting interim commissioner, Dr. Frank Franklin, will continue to be an integral member of the Public Health leadership team as Deputy Commissioner. “We are so incredibly grateful to Dr. Franklin for his leadership during this interim period,” said Crystal Yates-Gale, Deputy Managing Director, Health and Human Services. “We greatly respect Dr. Franklin’s diverse experience and leadership skills which have carried us through the last several months so we could continue to deliver the highest quality services and information to the residents with no gaps or hiccups. Our entire public health team is top notch, and we are so proud of their dedication to the mission.”
*To obtain Dr. Raval-Nelson’s full CV, contact Sharon.gallagher@phila.gov.
