Bridgeport, CT – Ebony Jackson-Shaheed has announced she will be taking a new opportunity and will resign as Health Director for the City of Bridgeport, effective May 5, 2023. Jackson-Shaheed was hired under the Ganim Administration on September 13, 2021. Since taking on the position as Health Director, Jackson-Shaheed has made many visible and strategic improvements in the Health Department, which has seen much success improving community outreach. Before taking the position as Health Director, Jackson-Shaheed joined the City’s Health Department as part of the COVID Response team initiated on March 1, 2021. Jackson-Shaheed has brought extensive and valuable knowledge to the role as an Epidemiologist with an MPH and BA in Health Education from Montclair State University and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

Under Jackson-Shaheed’s leadership, she has expanded and promoted health equity, enhanced social services, and has added several new positions within the department including a Health Educator, Epidemiologist, and Research Associate. During her tenure, Jackson-Shaheed oversaw the hiring of several social workers and mental health professionals for the City. She also spearheaded the effort to finish the Health Department’s commitment to become a nationally accredited Public Health department.

Mayor Ganim stated, “I want to thank Ebony Jackson-Shaheed for her dedication to the City of Bridgeport, before and during her time as Health Director. She has served as a significant asset to the Health Department, and we will miss her leadership. We are confident that Ebony will exceed beyond expectations in her new endeavors.”

Sumit Sharma, the current Deputy Director of the Health Department, will serve as Acting Health Director. Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Service will immediately begin to conduct a national search for a permanent Health Director.