News & Initiatives

The National Alliance on Ending Health Disparities (NAEHD) is proud to announce that Dr. Danny Ellis, has been officially appointed as Board Chair to the Board of Directors. His term begins May 15, 2026.  Dr. Ellis is currently serving as a Professor in the College of Business at East Carolina University, with 12 years of sustained university service that includes organizational governance leadership, program evaluation, curriculum assessment, student recruitment and retention, and service on Provost-appointed strategic committees focused on program alignment and institutional effectiveness. A former senior hospital administrator, nonprofit executive director, and military healthcare operations leader, with a proven record of managing multi-million-dollar budgets, supervising diverse teams, engaging donors, and securing and stewarding more than $20 million in grant funding. Known for a collaborative, data-driven leadership style and a deep commitment to team success, military-affiliated learners, rural communities, and mission-aligned community engagement, and well-positioned to advance the strategic growth and operational excellence.

Dr. Ellis’ board experience includes the Chair, Friday Fellowship Leadership Board, the UNC Nash Hospital Foundation Board, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Eastern NC Ministerial Alliance. He is the current President of the Black Faculty of Pitt County, Inc. He is the author of three dynamic books called “Why Keep Trying” and “It’s Never 2 Late, and Why Men Don’t Come Home After Five. He has authored research articles and a college textbook related to health disparities and community engagement.

“I am extremely grateful to serve on a team of passionate and professional leaders who possess the intellect and the determination to use their voices and acumen in addressing health disparities during this crucial intersection in health care delivery and funding said Dr Ellis.”   

NAEHD’s mission is to support and empower individuals, healthcare professionals, and decision makers through research, education, and advocacy initiatives to eliminate health disparities and advance equity in all communities. Dr Ellis’ leadership will strengthen NAEHD’s efforts to address disparities and health equity from both a national and international perspective.

To learn more about NAEHD’s Board of Directors and read full bios, visit naehd.org/board.