Heather Aaron

Whitman-Walker Health System advances the mission of Whitman-Walker through expanding the capacities of some of the organization’s most critical functions including research, policy and advocacy, thought-leadership, education, and fundraising, as well as supporting critical operational and real estate endeavors. In her role as CEO, Heather Aaron oversees Whitman-Walker Foundation, Whitman-Walker Institute, and Whitman-Walker Health System Real Property Holdings.

Dr. Aaron has spent her entire career in health care, making a difference for the communities where she has served as a Health Care Executive and Educator for more than thirty-five years. She has worked tirelessly to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion in all her work.

Most recently, she spent nearly 4 years as the Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health where she was responsible for the operations for the state agency delivering an array of mission-critical public health programs that continue to raise the bar for all healthcare delivery and disease prevention across the state of Connecticut.

Prior to the Connecticut Department of Health, Dr. Aaron designed and operated a continuum of care community for persons living with HIV and AIDS for 8 years which included a nursing home, residential care, independent living apartments and case management. Dr. Aaron has also spent many years working for hospital systems such Bon Secours Health System, Health Quest Health System. She started her career in Health at New York City Health and Hospital Corporation.

Dr. Aaron completed her undergraduate studies at Quinnipiac College where she received a Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Health Services Administration and a Baccalaureate of Arts in Psychology. She later completed her graduate studies at Yale School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, where she received her Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration. Dr. Aaron received her Education Doctorate Degree (EdD) in Education and Professional Practice from Antioch University. In addition, she is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator.