San Mateo County has named Dr. Jei Africa as the new Deputy Director of the Human Services Agency, continuing the work of providing assistance to those most in need in the area.
So the longtime health and behavioral health leader in both San Mateo County and elsewhere joined the Human Services Agency (HSA) this week as its new deputy director to help people “thrive.”
Dr. Jei Africa most recently served as Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Marin County, where he focused on expanding outreach to underserved communities, expanded the continuum of care for clients, and led the acquisition of several critical residential facility projects for individuals with mental health and substance abuse conditions.
Prior to that role, Africa served for more than a decade as director of the Office of Diversity and Equity within the San Mateo County Health Department.
Africa is the first openly transgender county behavioral health director in the United States, who was instrumental in opening a transgender health clinic and spearheaded the development of the first multidisciplinary LGBTQ+ community behavioral health center in San Mateo County.
“I am excited to be back in San Mateo County, where I live and where I began my career in public service. I am hopeful that my experience will help improve and elevate HSA’s efforts to help those in need of support and services, so they can thrive,” Africa said.
“I look forward to working in partnership with staff, clients and residents and other community partners to ensure our services are accessible, equitable and customer-centered,” she added.
Ken Cole, director of the Human Services Agency, praised Africa's experience and leadership.
“Jei Africa brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and intelligence to his new role as HSA Deputy Agency Director. He is a proven leader who cares deeply about equity, our agency’s mission and the overall well-being of those in need,” Cole said. “We are fortunate to have him join our leadership team.”
Africa holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology and a postdoctoral MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology.
In addition, Africa also earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of the Philippines – Manila, in behavioral sciences.
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