~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the appointment of Dr. Elsie Taveras as the new chairperson of the Boston Board of Health, and Stan McLaren as the newest member of the Board. Dr. Taveras, who has been a member of the Board since April 2023, will now take on the role of chairperson, while McLaren will fill the open seat.

Expressing her confidence in Dr. Taveras, Mayor Wu stated, "I'm very excited to see Dr. Taveras take on the duties of chairperson of the Board of Health, and I'm confident she'll continue her work to make Boston a safe and healthy home for everyone." She also expressed pride in appointing McLaren to the Board, stating that his experiences working with vulnerable residents make him well-suited for this role.

Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, also praised both appointments, saying, "I have sincerely appreciated Dr. Elsie Taveras and Stan McLaren's leadership and am thrilled to have them step into new leadership roles on the Board of Health." She highlighted their deep community ties and commitment to addressing health disparities in Boston as valuable assets for their new positions.

More on Boston Chron

• TravelSMG Announces 2026 European Travel Agent Forum & Confirms 2026 Event Suite
• $500,000 In Grants Awarded to 39 Community Organizations Supporting Black Men and Boys Across Boston Neighborhoods
• Sleep Basil Unveils Revamped Natural Latex Mattress Collection Page for Cooler, Cleaner, Better-Aligned Sleep
• Conexwest Delivers Custom Shipping Container MRI Lab, Saving California Hospital an Estimated $9 Million in Renovation Costs
• RAIN Group Wins Three Gold Stevie® Awards

Dr. Taveras brings a wealth of experience to her new role as chairperson. She currently serves as the inaugural Chief Community Health and Equity Officer and Executive Director of the Kraft Center for Community Health at Mass General Brigham. In addition to her role at Mass General Brigham, she is also a pediatrician at Mass General for Children and holds professorships at Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

With expertise in community health, implementation science, childhood obesity, maternal-child health, and health disparities, Dr. Taveras has been instrumental in developing national programs aimed at improving health outcomes and eliminating inequities for at-risk populations.

Expressing her gratitude for the appointment, Dr. Taveras said, "I am deeply honored by Mayor Wu's decision to appoint me chairperson of the Board of Health. I look forward to continuing my work with the Board of Health and BPHC as we strive to make Boston a place where everyone can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives."

More on Boston Chron

• Planning Department Launches First Boston Planning Academy For Residents
• FDA Meeting Indicates a pivotal development that could redefine the treatment landscape for suicidal depression via NRx Pharmaceuticals: $NRXP
• $2.7 Million 2025 Revenue; All Time Record Sales Growth; 6 Profitable Quarters for Homebuilding Industry: Innovative Designs (Stock Symbol: IVDN)
• Another 1940's Mystery Novel Set in Gloucester and the Surrounding Areas
• CCHR: Decades of Warnings, Persistent Inaction; Studies Raise New Alarms on Psychiatric Drug Safety

Stan McLaren, the newly appointed member of the Board, currently serves as the CEO of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. He has previously held leadership positions at Carney Hospital and Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center. With a background in public health, McLaren has also worked at the Boston Public Health Commission, where he helped establish the Father Friendly Initiative.

McLaren expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Board and contributing to its important role in creating equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Boston. "I welcome this opportunity to serve my community," he said.

The Board of Health plays a crucial role in helping the Boston Public Health Commission achieve its health goals for the city. As BPHC works towards eliminating health inequities, strengthening mental and behavioral health interventions and resources, and responding to emerging challenges, it relies on the leadership and support of the Board.

With Dr. Taveras as chairperson and McLaren as a new member, Mayor Wu is confident that they will continue to provide valuable oversight, guidance, and policy development functions for BPHC's efforts towards a healthier Boston.

---

Show All News | Report Violation