Health Commissioner Retires from Trenton City Hall

Shakira Abdul-Ali Appointed as Acting Health Director

Trenton N.J. – Health Director James Brownlee is stepping down as Director of Health and Human Services at Trenton City Hall. He has led a long and fulfilling career serving the people of our Capital City.

In 2012 Director Brownlee advocated for a revitalization of the city’s health clinics. He fought alongside the Trenton Health Team to improve services to those without insurance. Prior to serving in the Capital, Brownlee was Assistant Commissioner of Epidemiology, Environmental & Occupational Health at New Jersey’s Department of Health.

Mayor Reed Gusciora asserted that Brownlee’s “efforts during his tenure have undoubtedly saved the lives of countless Trentonians. His services will be sorely missed.”

To fill the vacancy, Mayor Gusciora will be appointing Trenton resident Shakira Abdul-Ali to the position of acting director. Abdul-Ali has served urban centers across New Jersey and New York for over 30 years and has taught post-secondary courses for N.J.’s Department of Human services.

“Director Abdul-Ali will be a great addition to my cabinet. Shakira has proven that she’s someone who not only cares about those who need our help the most, but that she is intelligent and driven enough to act on those concerns.” The mayor affirmed. “We will be conducting a national search for a long-term Director of Health and Human Services in the coming weeks.

Director Abdul-Ali has three post-secondary degrees; a bachelor’s in both Economics and Urban Studies from Wellesley College, and a master’s in Organization Development from American University.

###