Governor Tina Kotek has designated Dr. Sejal Hathi as the head of the Oregon Health Authority, effective January 16. In this capacity, she assumes responsibility for ensuring equitable healthcare access and overseeing behavioral and public health systems throughout the state.
Governor Kotek expressed gratitude, noting Hathi’s unique qualifications—ranging from frontline medical experience to policy shaping in the White House and founding non-profits focused on women and girls’ leadership. Previously, Hathi served as the state health officer in New Jersey and deputy health commissioner for public health services. During her tenure at the White House, she played a pivotal role as the Senior Policy Advisor for Public Health.
As an attending physician certified by the board, Hathi has held academic positions at institutions like the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School. Her medical career includes providing care for COVID-19 patients at Massachusetts General Hospital. She also established a voter education program for medical professionals and oversaw its mobilization.
Expressing excitement and humility, Hathi looks forward to contributing to Oregon’s groundbreaking healthcare advances and addressing root causes like social determinants of health. She acknowledges Oregon’s national spotlight for expanding health coverage and aims to continue this trajectory, making every community in the state healthier.
Dr. Hathi earned her B.S. with honors from Yale University and her M.D./M.B.A. from Stanford University, where she was recognized as a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow and a Harry S. Truman Scholar. Her accolades include the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, World Economic Forum Global Shapers, Forbes 30 under 30, and Glamour’s Amazing Young Women of the Year, among others.
