Mayor Sheffield taps Dearborn exec as Detroit’s chief health officer

March 2, 2026

Ali Abazeed, a 35-year-old Detroit native who previously served as Dearborn's inaugural public health director, has been appointed as Detroit's new Chief Public Health Officer with an annual salary of $235,000. Mayor Mary Sheffield selected Abazeed to replace Denise Fair Razo, who led the department for over six years, as part of the mayor's effort to introduce fresh leadership and innovation to city government. Abazeed, whose parents are Syrian refugees, brings experience from both his work in Dearborn—where he implemented programs like Rx Kids and improved air quality monitoring—and his prior role as a public health adviser with the National Institutes of Health.

Who is affected

Ali Abazeed (taking new position as Detroit's Chief Public Health Officer)
Denise Fair Razo (being replaced after serving over six years)
Detroit residents (who will be served by the health department under new leadership)
Dearborn (losing their public health director)
Mayor Mary Sheffield (making the appointment)
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn (losing his health department leader)
Detroit's health department staff and various city departments that will partner with the health department

What action is being taken

Ali Abazeed is taking over as Detroit's Chief Public Health Officer
Mayor Sheffield is implementing a "health in all policies" approach by partnering the health department with other city departments
The health department is running various services including immunizations, restaurant inspections, transportation for mothers and caregivers, and efforts to reduce teen pregnancy and childhood lead poisoning

Why it matters

This appointment matters because it represents a shift toward integrating public health considerations across all aspects of city government rather than treating health as a separate issue. Abazeed's approach recognizes that health outcomes are determined by social, economic, and environmental factors—such as housing, transportation, and air quality—rather than medical care alone. His personal background growing up in the Detroit-Dearborn border area and experience implementing similar integrated models in Dearborn positions him to address Detroit's significant health disparities and chronic issues like lead exposure, asthma, maternal health, and infant mortality. The appointment also signals Mayor Sheffield's commitment to bringing innovation and new direction to city departments while building on existing foundations.

What's next

Abazeed will work on Mayor Sheffield's priorities including addressing chronic diseases, lead-impacted households, asthma, and maternal and infant child health
The health department will be embedded across city government departments to serve as a partner and adviser to police, public works, economic development, and other areas
The administration will work on reducing infant mortality throughout the city

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com