Dr. Barbot Will Be First Woman to Lead the 143-Year-Old Nonprofit
NEW YORK, NY, August 11, 2022 – The Board of Directors of United Hospital Fund announced today the appointment of Oxiris Barbot, MD, as its president and CEO, effective September 12, 2022. She is the first woman to lead UHF since its founding in 1879 and brings more than 25 years’ experience in public health and health care delivery to her new role.
Dr. Barbot is currently senior fellow for public health and social justice at The JPB Foundation and adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. From 2018 until 2020, she served as Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene of the City of New York, the first Latina woman to hold the position.
Previously she was first deputy commissioner at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2014 until 2018, served as commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department from 2010 until 2014, and was medical director of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Office of School Health from 2003 until 2010.
Dr. Barbot is a graduate of Yale University and received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her pediatric residency at George Washington University’s Children’s National Medical Center.
The selection follows a national search conducted by the executive search firm Spencer Stuart to find the successor to Anthony Shih, MD, who served as UHF’s president since 2017.
“Dr. Barbot’s experience leading two of the most important public health departments in the country, her knowledge of philanthropy, and her deep commitment to racial justice and health equity, children’s well-being, and community health make her a superb choice to lead United Hospital Fund into the future,” said John C. Simons, chair of United Hospital Fund’s Board of Directors and chair of the executive search committee. “Most importantly, she understands firsthand the health care needs of New Yorkers and the issues facing New York and our health care system. We consider ourselves extraordinarily fortunate to have such a seasoned and passionate individual stepping into this leadership role.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization with such an important history and record of accomplishment,” said Dr. Barbot. “UHF’s mission to build an effective and equitable health care system for every New Yorker is something I’m passionate about. I look forward to continuing UHF’s important work during a time when addressing the needs at the intersection of health care, public health, and community has never been more urgent.”
Dr. Barbot succeeds Anthony Shih, MD, who provided inspirational and thoughtful leadership to UHF for the past five years.
“UHF is stronger financially and programmatically thanks to Tony’s important leadership,” said Mr. Simons. “He will be greatly missed, and the board and staff will be forever grateful for his steady hand, clear vision, and deep commitment during these very challenging past five years.”
About United Hospital Fund
United Hospital Fund works to build an effective and equitable health care system for every New Yorker. An independent, nonprofit organization, we analyze public policy to inform decision-makers, find common ground among diverse stakeholders, and develop and support innovative programs that improve the quality, accessibility, affordability, and experience of patient care. For more on our initiatives and programs please visit our website at www.uhfnyc.org and follow us on Twitter.