Open Cities Health Center announces Mitchell Davis, Jr. as new CEO

- by MSR News Online
Courtesy of Open Cities Mitchell Davis, Jr.

Open Cities Health Center’s board of directors announced on Thursday that it has named Mitchell Davis, Jr. as its new CEO effective December 2021.

Davis has been the Interim CEO of OCHC since June 2021.  He brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for positive change within community health serving patients in the historic Rondo, Frogtown, and North End neighborhoods of Saint Paul.  He succeeds Dr. Cynthia Woods, former interim CEO, who stepped down earlier this year.

“Our board of directors is excited to introduce a leader of Mr. Davis’ distinction into our community to bring stability and innovation to Open Cities,” said board chair, Ana Diaz. “Mr. Davis possesses the right qualities to grow our community health center and build new collaborations that will broaden our healthcare impact on communities of color.”

Mr. Davis has been working in healthcare for over 30 years.  Prior to joining OCHC, he had worked at the Minneapolis Urban League as the Health and Workforce Development Director, and also the State of Minnesota as the Minority and Multicultural Health Director.  Mr. Davis also served leadership roles at the Minneapolis Foundation, North Memorial Healthcare, and the Minnesota Hospital Association.  Mr. Davis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oakwood University and a Mini-MBA in Healthcare Administration from Saint Thomas University.

Open Cities Health Center is a Federally-Qualified Health Center in Saint Paul, MN.  The clinic was started by community activists in 1967 in the basement of Saint James AME Church in the historic African American Rondo neighborhood.  It was one of the few clinics in the state dedicated to helping people of color. 

The clinic’s first public health nurse, Mary Stokes, and first project director, Mrs. Timothy O. Vann, were African American women who began volunteer services that included immunizations and health education.  Previously known as Model Cities Health Center, OCHC continues to serve culturally diverse persons needing healthcare with the legacy of welcoming everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Information provided by Open Cities Health Center.