PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mayor Jim Kenney has officially appointed Dr. Cheryl Bettigole as the health commissioner of Philadelphia.
Bettigole has been serving as acting commissioner since May 2021, following the resignation of Dr. Tom Farley.
As acting commissioner, Kenney said Bettigole has led the city through the pandemic with an “emphasis on equity.”
“I’m confident that with her experience, vision, and steadfast leadership, we’ve found the best person to lead the Health Department as we work urgently on multiple fronts to ensure the health and wellbeing of all residents,” he said.
Bettigole said in a statement that she is honored by the appointment.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of equity, access, and the use of a data-informed approach in every aspect of public health, and I am committed to championing those priorities in the work ahead,” she said.