Senior Executive Leadership Team

Dr. Akilah Pope is the Medical Executive Director for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County and she also serves as the Lead Senior Physician. Dr. Pope is Board Certified in Pediatrics. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, she is a graduate of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana and James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. She completed her pediatric residency training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Dr. Pope has been with the health department since 2010. She currently provides pediatric services to patients at the Center for Women and Children. Prior to joining FDOH-Duval, she worked as an emergency room doctor and cared for children at a private practice. She also enjoys being a clinical preceptor for pediatric and family practice residents, nurse practitioner students, and physician assistant students from several colleges and universities in Florida.

Richard Ward, DBA, MBA

DOH-Duval Assistant Director - Public Health Programs

As Assistant Director for Public Health Programs, Dr. Richard Ward provides leadership for four complex, multi-disciplined divisions: Community Health Programs, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health, and Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention. Dr. Ward is instrumental in the formulation of division strategic plans, policies and procedures, including those designated by state and local legislative mandates, which have a significant impact on environmental protection, illness prevention and patient quality of care. 

Dr. Ward holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northwood University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University, and completed his Doctorate in Business Administration, with a specialization in leadership, in July 2021.

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Kiszzie Jones

DOH-Duval Assistant Director for Administration and Operations

Kiszzie Jones is the Assistant County Health Department Director for Administration and Operations. She provides leadership for the following departments: Finance and Accounting (Budgets, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing, Contract, and Medical Billing), Vital Statistics, Clinical Operations, General Services, Information Technology, and Employee Resources—Ms. Jones also serves as the Agency’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Ms. Jones graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration in 2003. After graduation, she began her Public Health career as a Case Manager for the Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN). After two years of service, she was promoted to Director of Case Management. Following four years of total tenure with NFAN, Kiszzie initially joined the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) as a Human Services Program Supervisor; and then was promoted to Clinical Operations Manager. During her time with DOH-Duval, Ms. Jones earned her Executive Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Florida.

In addition to her leadership roles with NFAN and DOH-Duval, Kiszzie has served as an Employee Health Operations Manager with Baptist Health. She brings a depth of Public Health knowledge and a wealth of skills in Healthcare Operations and Planning, Business Process Improvement, and Financial Management. She is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.