Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd

Dr. Barbara Ferrer is a nationally recognized public health leader with over 40 years’ experience as a health director, philanthropic strategist, educational leader, researcher, and community advocate.

Currently, Dr. Ferrer is the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which prevents disease and promotes equity and well-being among more than 10 million county residents.  She oversees a budget of over $2.2 billion, directs a workforce of nearly 7,000 staff, and works to integrate services with the County Mental Health and Health Services Departments.  She guided the region’s COVID-19 pandemic response, in collaboration with county and community-based partners.

Prior to serving as the LA County public health director, Dr. Ferrer served as Chief Strategy Officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, overseeing programming and mission-driven investments.  Earlier in her career, she was Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, the city’s health department.  Under her leadership, the City of Boston saw significant improvements in health outcomes, including a decrease in rates of childhood obesity, smoking, and infant mortality.

Dr. Ferrer also held leadership positions at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including Director of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention, and Director of the Division of Maternal & Child Health.  She also served as a Headmaster at a district high school in Boston.

Dr. Ferrer received her Ph.D. in Social Welfare from Brandeis University, Master’s in Public Health from Boston University, Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.