After four years at her current post, Shelby County’s Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor has accepted a similar position in Baltimore, Maryland.
Her last day on the job will be Aug. 1.
Taylor was appointed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris in 2021, following the resignation of former director Alisa Haushalter. In a previous stint with the department from 2013–2016, Taylor served as deputy administrator.
“I was confident that Dr. Taylor was the right person to lead our health department. She is a dedicated public servant, and her compassion for the community is truly inspiring,” Harris said in a statement.
During her tenure, Taylor led the county’s COVID-19 pandemic efforts, including the final COVID task force briefing in 2023. She also has made improvements to county satellite health clinics, along with anti-HIV efforts. The health department recently made free HIV tests available for county residents.
Taylor was also recently named chair-elect of the Big Cities Health Coalition, after joining the organization last fall. The group features leaders from health departments from the nation’s largest cities. Together, they exchange strategies and jointly address public health issues facing large metropolitan areas.
“Dr. Taylor is a world-class leader, and I’m grateful that she’s bringing her talents and experience to Baltimore,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott in a statement. “She shares my commitment to expanding affordable health resources in every single neighborhood of our city.”
The pediatrician earned her medical degree in 2002 from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. Taylor also holds a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, along with a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
The native Memphian is also a graduate of White Station High School.
“This place is not just where I work, but it’s also a place I call home, and serving in this role has truly been an honor. In four years, I have had the magnificent privilege of working alongside a team of dedicated and passionate professionals to strengthen the public health system in Shelby County,” said Taylor.
Prior to her appointment as health director, the military reserve lieutenant colonel spent two years on active duty in the Office of the Air National Guard Surgeon General from 2019–2021.
“Shelby County has been fortunate to have her leadership and service in promoting health equity and protecting our communities. I am proud of Dr. Taylor as she steps into the vital role of Commissioner of Health for the Baltimore City Health Department,” said Harris.
