Howard Brown Health Names Robin Gay, DMD as Interim President and CEO
(Chicago, IL – February 22, 2024) Howard Brown Health’s Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Robin Gay, DMD as Interim President and CEO. Dr. Gay, who most recently served as Chief Dental Officer, assumes the role formerly held by outgoing President and CEO David Ernesto Munar. This appointment comes as part of the Board’s commitment to ensuring stability of the organization and continuity of crucial community health care services during this transitional period.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Interim President and CEO,” said Dr. Gay. “Howard Brown has been a pillar of care for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community for nearly 50 years. As we continue to define sustainability, access to affirming, high-quality care, and our institutional culture, I will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to focus on providing outstanding service for the patients that have entrusted us with their care.”
Dr. Gay brings extensive experience in patient-centered care and operational excellence. At Howard Brown, she launched oral health care services in 2017, improving access to full-service dental care in Englewood, and expanded oral care to Lakeview in 2023. She also spearheaded healthcare initiatives integrating oral health care with primary care services to both the 63rd Street and North Halsted clinics, helping patients receive well-coordinated care for the whole person. In addition to her role at Howard Brown, she is a current faculty member with the Department of Oral Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Dentistry.
Prior to joining Howard Brown, Dr. Gay served in private group practice, providing innovative dental and oral health care. Dr. Gay received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine and Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.
“My hope is to use my experience and passion for advocating and caring for communities in the service of guiding a truly remarkable organization through this transition,” Dr. Gay said.
“We are thrilled to announce Dr. Gay as Interim President and CEO,” said Mike Mazzeo, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Our commitment is to work closely with Dr. Gay and the Leadership Team to ensure continuity of care for our patients and build on the great work done to grow the agency’s impact over the past decade. As Howard Brown approaches it’s 50th anniversary, Dr. Gay’s dedication to service, passion for healthcare, and leadership experience will propel the agency into a successful future.”
As Howard Brown navigates this transition, the Board of Directors has begun the early stages of planning a comprehensive, national search for a permanent President and CEO. The Board is committed to a process that brings together internal and external stakeholders committed to the mission and vision of Howard Brown in order to identify the best candidate to lead Howard Brown as it enters its 50th year.
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Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice as an agent of change for individual wellbeing and community empowerment. Howard Brown envisions a future where healthcare and transformative social policies actualize human rights and equity for all. Howard Brown offers primary care, behavioral health, and social services at 10 clinics across the city, regardless of ability to pay.
Media Inquiries:
Wren O’Kelley, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing
mediainquiries@howardbrown.org
872.269.3411