Baltimore Welcomes New Health Commissioner and Public Works Leadership

Baltimore, MD — Mayor Brandon M. Scott has officially sworn in new leadership for the Baltimore City Health Department and the Department of Public Works, alongside key bureau heads and members for several city boards and commissions. The ceremony, held on Thursday, September 22, 2025, marks a significant step in the administration’s commitment to improving public safety, health equity, and essential city services for all residents.

The newly appointed Health Commissioner is Dr. Michelle Taylor, a dedicated public health professional with extensive experience. Dr. Taylor most recently led operations for the Shelby County Health Department in Tennessee. Her background also includes significant service in the Tennessee Air National Guard, where she holds the rank of Colonel and served as a Flight Surgeon. Dr. Taylor’s academic achievements include a Doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, a medical degree from East Tennessee State University, and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

The Department of Public Works will now be led by Director Matthew Garbark. Mr. Garbark brings nearly a decade of experience with the City of Baltimore, having previously served as Interim Deputy Director at DPW and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development. His prior roles within city government include Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor. His background also includes service with the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Mr. Garbark holds an MBA from the University of Maryland, University College, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Two key bureau heads were also sworn in for the Department of Public Works. Kendall Abu-Hakim will lead the Division of Solid Waste. Mr. Abu-Hakim has been with the City of Baltimore for nearly 14 years, most recently serving as the acting Bureau Head for Solid Waste. His previous roles include Assistant Deputy Director of Operations at the Department of General Services and Chief of Maintenance at the Department of Transportation. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Certified Public Manager certification from the University of Baltimore.

Steven Sharkey has been appointed Bureau Head for the Division of Water and Wastewater. Mr. Sharkey has nearly 20 years of service with the City of Baltimore, holding various leadership positions including Interim Director of the Office of Performance and Innovation, Director of the Department of Transportation, Director of the Department of General Services, and Deputy Director of Baltimore’s CitiStat Program. He holds a BA from McDaniel College and an MPP from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

In addition to agency leadership, Mayor Scott also swore in new members to several city boards and commissions. Matt Grossfield will serve on the Baltimore City Wage Commission, and Tisha Guthrie has been appointed to the Inclusionary Housing Board. Furthermore, four members were sworn in to the newly established Veterans Commission. This commission is tasked with advising city policy and ensuring veterans are connected with vital services, aiming to better meet the obligations owed to those who have served. The inaugural members of the Veterans Commission are Jeromie Williams, KeSean Johnson, Adobolia Burford, and Adler Archer.

These appointments underscore the administration’s focus on strengthening city operations and delivering improved services to Baltimore residents.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the Mayor of Baltimore

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