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Worcester taps longtime public health leader as health chief


  • City of Worcester photo

    WORCESTER — City Manager Eric D. Batista has appointed Seema Dixit as Worcester’s new commissioner of health and human services, effective February 17th, the city announced Friday.

    Batista said Dixit brings extensive experience in public health leadership and program management, including oversight of multimillion-dollar initiatives and interagency partnerships.

    “Dixit brings a wealth of experience leading public health programs and operations,” Batista said in a statement. “She has proven success in managing multimillion-dollar programs, leading interagency partnerships, and advancing policy. I look forward to working together to advance the health and wellbeing of all Worcester residents.”

    Dixit joins the city with more than 25 years of experience in public health. She most recently served as deputy director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, where she began working in 2003.

    “I am deeply honored to be appointed commissioner of health and human services for the City of Worcester,” Dixit said. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, community partners, and residents to strengthen public health, expand access to essential services, and build equitable health systems as deserved by the community.”

    During her tenure at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dixit also served as community mitigation and enforcement lead during the state’s COVID-19 response and previously held the role of director of environmental health.

    Dixit holds a master’s degree in international health and public policy and a master of public health in epidemiology and health administration from Tufts University. She earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in human nutrition from SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai, India.

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