San Mateo County has appointed Dr. Jei Africa as the new deputy director of the Human Services Agency to continue the work of providing assistance to those most in need in the area.
So the longtime health and behavioral health leader both in 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 was most recently director of Recovery and Behavioral Health Services for Marin County, where he focused on expanding community outreach to underserved communities, expanded continuity of care for clients, and led the acquisition of several critical residential facility projects for people with mental health and substance abuse conditions.
Prior to that position, 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 LGBTQ+ multidisciplinary community behavioral health center in San Mateo County.
"I am excited to be back in San Mateo County, the place 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 noted.
"I look forward to working in partnership with staff, clients and residents and other community partners to ensure that our services are accessible, equitable and client-centered," he 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 position as deputy director of the HSA agency. 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 Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a master's degree in clinical psychology from Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology and a postdoctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology.
In addition, Africa also earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences from the University of the Philippines ?Manila? in behavioral sciences.
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