Senior Executive Leadership Team

Dr. Akilah Pope is the Medical Executive Director for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) 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 DOH-Duval since 2010. She currently provides pediatric services to patients at the Center for Women and Children. Prior to joining DOH-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.

---

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 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.

---

Trisha Bowles

Chief Legal Counsel

 

Trisha D. Bowles serves as Chief Legal Counsel for the Florida Department of Health, Office of the General Counsel, Duval Legal Office. Ms. Bowles joined the Florida Department of Health in June 2024 from the City of Jacksonville where she worked in the Office of the General Counsel’s Regulatory Department. She represented the City in litigation as prosecution and defense counsel, served as counsel for the Building Codes Adjustment and Public Nuisance Abatement Boards, drafted contracts, and prepared legislation.

Ms. Bowles began her legal career as a prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office in the Fourth Judicial Circuit for Duval and Nassau Counties. Following her time at the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Bowles worked in the Florida Department of Health’s Prosecution Services Unit and in private practice. Ms. Bowles has also worked with several private companies in both management and legal counsel positions. She brings experience in regulatory enforcement, medical practice management, health care risk management, medical malpractice, insurance defense, and school operations.

Ms. Bowles has been a licensed attorney and member of the Florida Bar since 1999. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver.

---

Chanel LeBlanc

Public Health Communications Manager

Chanel LeBlanc is the Public Health Communications Manager for the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at the Florida Department of Health. In this role, she leads strategic communication efforts, oversees the department’s marketing team, and serves as the agency’s Public Information Officer. Ms. LeBlanc is also responsible for strengthening community relations, acting as a liaison between the health department, academic institutions, community partners, and related organizations.

Before joining the department in April 2023, Ms. LeBlanc spent 17 years as an Emmy-nominated journalist, honing her skills in storytelling, media relations, and public engagement. Her extensive experience in journalism informs her work in public health, where she is committed to delivering clear, timely, and impactful messaging to Florida’s communities.

Ms. LeBlanc earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master of Science in Communication Management with a specialization in Leadership from the University of North Florida.