Howard Brown Health has picked Dr. Travis Gayles to become its CEO and lead one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ health organizations.
Gayles, a physician with experience in public and private health care leadership, will take office on March 3. He was picked after a nationwide search that considered more than 200 candidates.
“Howard Brown Health’s legacy as a pillar of support for LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago is something I deeply respect,” Gayles said in a statement. “Our goal is to be a force in combatting misinformation and inequities, leading with data-driven strategies and compassionate care.”
Gayles previously served as a chief health and medical officer, leading public health initiatives focused on reducing health disparities.
He succeeds interim CEO Dr. Robin Gay, who stepped into the role last year after the departure of longtime CEO David Munar. Gay, who has been with Howard Brown since 2017, will return to her position as chief dental officer.
The leadership transition comes at a critical time for Howard Brown. In recent years, the organization has expanded significantly, growing from three clinics serving 8,000 patients in 2014 to 10 locations treating more than 38,000.
At the same time, it has faced financial strain, layoffs and tense contract negotiations with the union representing hundreds of employees. In November 2023, about 200 Howard Brown workers staged a two-day walkout demanding better pay and working conditions. The union has urged new leadership to take a more collaborative approach.
Gayles takes over as Howard Brown marks its 50th anniversary and continues to navigate challenges in LGBTQ+ health care policy.
“Howard Brown Health has always been at the forefront of addressing health care inequities, and with Dr. Gayles at the helm, we are confident that we will expand our impact as a leader in this space,” Mike Mazzeo, Howard Brown’s board chair, said in a statement. “We are eager to see him build on this legacy and lead us toward a future where all people, regardless of their background, can thrive with the highest standard of care and dignity.”