Baltimore City officials say Ihuoma Emenuga’s termination during discussions on the city’s state of health has caused significant changes.
Baltimore City Council members are concerned that Health Commissioner Ihuoma Emenuga’s termination for alleged wage theft comes when issues regarding the health and well-being of Baltimore residents are critical.
After serving for less than eight months as a replacement for former Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa, Emenuga resigned on Monday due to a “pending investigation.”
According to The Baltimore Sun, the Office of the Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming is investigating the former health official for alleged employment with a clinic beyond her City Hall time.
When Emenuga was appointed as Health Commissioner in January, she was selected to play a crucial role in moving Baltimore into a healthier and more equitable city, boasting credentials that include roles as a medical director for the Baltimore City Health Department’s Youth Wellness and Community Health Division, managing partner at Vie Health, medical director for Chase Brexton Health Care, and chief medical officer at Park West Health System and Family Health Centers of Baltimore. Forms filed in May to the Baltimore City Board of Ethics stated the University of Maryland College Park alum is the sole owner of Vie Health in Clarksville.
Although additional employment is permitted according to the city’s Administrative Policy Manual, employment must not violate city rules or policies. Under Emenuga’s contract, she can be terminated for breach of contract, city policy, or other circumstances. No disciplinary action has been reported to date. The termination has resulted in a significant change for Baltimore, according to Councilwoman Danielle McCray. However, with hopes that the council will have some involvement, Bullock is confident the city will find a candidate fitting for the role.
City officials confirmed that Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Simone Johnson will temporarily fill in as interim health commissioner as the city conducts a nationwide search to replace Emenuga.
Source: Black Enterprise
