Framingham Mayor Names New Public Health Director

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Almost six months after the departure of former health director Dr. Sam Wong, Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer has named his possible replacement.

Spicer's pick is Dr. Monifa Charles, 42, who works with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Rural Health. She previously served in a similar position in Florida, and before that with the U.S. Department of Education and Human Services.

"As I seek to work closely with all, especially in today's challenging public health climate, I seek to lead the team with multi-faceted public health approaches based on interventions, preventative health models, effective collaborations, and partnerships with diverse communities," Charles said in a news release.

Charles was chosen by a panel including Framingham Chief Diversity Officer Maritsa Barros, and Health Board members Gillian Carcia, David Moore and Laura Houseman. Eleven people applied for the job, according to officials.

News of Wong's departure came late at night on Dec. 29, and was initially described as a "medical leave." Internal records showed Spicer, Wong and a city spokesperson were discussing his resignation that night, however. Wong later said he had grown exhausted working nonstop through the pandemic.

Wong was hired in 2017 while he was working as Hudson's health director. Assistant Director of Public Health Alexandra DePalo took over for Wong in the interim.

Charles' nomination as Framingham's new health director will be subject to City Council approval, but Spicer said in a news release she hopes Charles can start by June 21.