Metro Health Department Director to Leave Post

Gill Wright, director of the Metro Public Health Department, announced at a Thursday Board of Health meeting that he will not continue with the organization. 

Wright will leave the role at the end of August after serving one three-year contract. He has been with MPHD since 2017, starting as civil service medical examiner and working as associate medical director and chief medical officer during his tenure. He stepped in as interim director in 2020 after former director Michael Caldwell was asked to resign following concerns about his response to COVID-19.  

Health Director Caldwell Resigns, Effective Immediately

Metro Health Director Michael Caldwell resigned Thursday following a report detailing allegations of gender and pregnancy discrimination.

Wright oversaw the opioid abatement processes, contributed to pandemic guidelines and fielded a $10 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under Wright, the department has also seen resignations of senior staff, “reverse racism” claims, and the folding of the department's Bureau of Health Equity. 

Wright does not have another job lined up but is nearing retirement, he said at Thursday's meeting. An interim director is set to be appointed, with board chair Tené Hamilton Franklin suggesting Joanna Shaw-KaiKai, an infectious disease expert who serves as medical director for MPHD. 

The role is set to be discussed further at the Board of Health's July 12 meeting. 

This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.