Sara Hollie Hennepin County Public Health leader
Sara Hollie Hennepin County Public Health director leads initiatives addressing systemic health disparities while becoming the first African American to hold the role in Minnesota.
Sara Hollie, Director of Hennepin County Public Health, has spent over 20 years championing community health, equity, and systemic change. Born and raised on the north side of Minneapolis, Hollie credits her upbringing for shaping her passion for public health. “I grew up with a lot of support, beauty, and determination in my community,” she said. “Seeing the impact of health and wellness on my own family inspired me to dedicate my life to improving the health of others.”
Her father’s battle with cancer was a formative experience. As a young girl, Hollie witnessed the challenges African American families often face in accessing healthcare, as well as the importance of quality medical support. “Being in hospitals at a young age made me curious about healthcare,” she said. “I didn’t know it was called Public Health then, but I knew I wanted to work in health whether that meant becoming a doctor, opening a clinic, or supporting my community in other ways.”
Today, Hollie holds the distinction of being the first African American Public Health Director in Minnesota. In a state where public health leadership remains predominantly white, she sees her role as both an honor and a responsibility. “I lead through my community,” she explained. “I’m representing a legacy and building a legacy right here where I grew up.”
Under Hollie’s leadership, Hennepin County Public Health has launched and expanded programs targeting systemic health disparities. One of her proudest initiatives is the Heart Health Initiative, which focuses on addressing cardiovascular health among Black and Indigenous women, populations disproportionately affected by heart disease. The program emphasizes education, awareness, and culturally tailored support, including community events, survivor support groups, and outreach campaigns.
Hollie also highlights Hennepin County’s work in HIV prevention and care. “We can’t do this work alone,” she said. “Strong partnerships with community organizations are essential to making meaningful change.” Hollie’s approach centers on both data and lived experience. “Data can come in many forms: numbers, storytelling, but it’s central to understanding who is most impacted,” she explained. “We work with community members to understand their needs and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
Her commitment to equity extends beyond program development to addressing systemic challenges in public health and government. Hollie acknowledges that funding limitations, policy changes, and structural inequities remain significant hurdles. Yet her approach is proactive and solutions-focused: “We don’t wait. We respond. We face challenges head-on, working with our community partners to make sure essential services like food support, maternal health, and mental wellness reach the people who need them most.”
Hollie sees her leadership as a bridge for the next generation of Black public health professionals. “I want young people to see that they can lead at all levels,” she said. “Explore your interests, connect with mentors, try new things, and don’t let anything get in the way of your goals.” She stresses the importance of role models and networks in guiding young leaders, noting that mentorship and community support can make the difference in pursuing careers in healthcare and public health.
For Hollie, public health is deeply personal. It’s about improving outcomes for communities, building trust, and addressing inequities that have persisted for generations. Her leadership reflects a holistic view of wellness, acknowledging that health is tied to housing, education, economic opportunity, and community support. “We can only improve health outcomes together,” she said. “Public health doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when communities and institutions work side by side.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Hollie hopes to inspire a broader vision of leadership and service. “Public health is about more than programs or policies,” she said. “It’s about giving back to your community in meaningful ways, lifting others up, and ensuring that the legacy we leave behind empowers the next generation to thrive.”
Through her work, Sara Hollie embodies a model of leadership grounded in equity, service, and community. Her story is a reminder that true public health leadership combines passion, lived experience, and the courage to confront systemic inequities, creating a foundation for healthier, stronger communities.
For more information, visit www.hennepin.us/en/residents/health-medical/public-health.