Phila.gov
For Immediate Release: July 30, 2025
Contact: press@phila.gov
PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker today announced the appointment of Kehinde “Kenny” Solanke, MSW, LSW, as the new Commissioner of the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). This appointment – effective Sept. 2, 2025 – follows an extensive and competitive national search process.
“With more than two decades of service to Philadelphia and a proven record of innovation, operational excellence, and unwavering compassion, Kenny Solanke is the right leader for this critical moment in our city’s behavioral health system,” said Mayor Parker. “Her visionary leadership and commitment to public service and community-driven solutions will ensure that DBHIDS continues to evolve and serve all Philadelphians with dignity and care. I am proud to appoint her as our next Commissioner.”
Solanke most recently served as Senior Director of Operations for Crisis Services at DBHIDS, where she led transformative citywide initiatives, including the implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, expansion of 24/7 mobile crisis teams, and the launch of Philadelphia’s first Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center. She has also overseen critical City responses, including DBHIDS’ behavioral health strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic; managed multi-million-dollar funding portfolios; and championed the Department’s framework to align services with community needs.
“It is the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as Commissioner of DBHIDS,” Solanke said. “I am grateful to Mayor Parker for her confidence in my leadership and vision. I step into this role deeply committed to maintaining and strengthening a system that is innovative, accountable, and — above all — centered on the lived experiences of our communities. Together, we will make sure that every individual in Philadelphia has access to compassionate, high-quality care and the opportunity to thrive.”
Dr. Marquita C. Williams has served as interim commissioner over the last year. “I am grateful to Dr. Marquita Williams for her strong leadership as we worked through the search and decision-making process,” said Crystal Yates-Gale, Deputy Managing Director, Health and Human Services. “Philadelphia has a world-class behavioral health system that is like no other and Dr. Williams’ deep knowledge of the system and her strong relationships with the provider community have enabled the department to seamlessly meet its mission.”
As Commissioner, Solanke will oversee all divisions of DBHIDS, which include behavioral health and substance use disorder services, intellectual disability support, early intervention services and Community Behavioral Health (CBH), the nation’s largest Medicaid Managed Care Organization. She will also continue to build cross-sector partnerships and advance the City’s behavioral health strategy in alignment with Mayor Parker’s broader vision for a safer, cleaner and greener Philadelphia, with access to economic opportunity for all.
Throughout her career, Solanke has been a respected thought leader and advocate for transforming public behavioral health systems. She has testified before City Council, chaired statewide policy workgroups, and represented Philadelphia at national forums — including coordinating with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to mark the national rollout of 988. Her work has positioned Philadelphia as a leader in crisis system transformation while deepening public trust and strengthening the behavioral health safety net for thousands of residents.
A licensed social worker, Solanke holds a Master of Social Work degree and has spent her career within the City’s behavioral health ecosystem — serving previously as Director of Policy and Planning at DBHIDS and Director of Clinical Management at Community Behavioral Health (CBH).
Bio | Inquirer article | Video of event | Photos from event
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About DBHIDS
The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), part of the City’s Office of Health and Human Services, offers behavioral health care, intellectual disability supports, and early intervention services within one comprehensive, integrated system.