Office of African American Health 
Announcements

Welcome to the 2026-2028 Advisory Council Members

The Office of African American Health, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, completed appointments for the 2026-2028 term of the African American Health State Advisory Council and welcomed new members in February.

The council collaborates with the Office of African American Health using a shared leadership model and community-centered engagement approach. Together, we identify strategies and policies to address health disparities in African American communities, conduct outreach and engagement, and support culturally responsive public health systems change.

Current council members

• Abdou Manjang
• Carol Houston
• Christopher Smith
• Cindy Devonish
• Demitrea Kelley, MBA, MHA
• Dr. Inih Essien
• Dr. Joel Boyd, MD
• Gage Urvina
• Iman Ibrahim
• Jamie Hackett
• Kiora Kamara
• Lola Muhammad
• Matthew Arries
• Susan McPherson