PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Cheryl Bettigole is stepping down after three tumultuous years as Philadelphia health commissioner.
Bettigole was appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney after her predecessor Thomas Farley resigned in 2021 following backlash surrounding his handling of remains from the 1985 MOVE fire.
During her time, she ushered the city out of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, contained a measles outbreak. She stayed on through the transition to the Parker administration.
“Dr. Bettigole has served our city and citizens well as health commissioner and we thank her for all her public service to Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Parker has not yet chosen a new health commissioner but announced that Deputy Commissioner Frank Franklin would take over on an acting basis.
Both Parker and Managing Director Adam Thiel praised Bettigole’s leadership of the Health Department. She developed a five-year strategic plan to improve access to primary care and prepare for future health emergencies and oversaw the health needs of displaced persons from Ukraine and Afghanistan as well as migrants bused to the city from Texas.
Bettigole said, in a statement, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as health commissioner.
“I am immensely proud of the work that has taken place in the Health Department and am profoundly grateful for the professionalism, expertise, and dedication found within the employees who I was fortunate to serve with,” she said.
Her last day will be Feb. 15.