Akeshia Johnson Smothers is a public health leader with more than 25 years of experience in public health administration, community engagement, and organizational leadership. Her career began as a high school sexual health peer educator, inspiring a lifelong commitment to service and her "boots on the ground" approach to improving community health.

She currently serves as the Social Service Agreements Administration Manager for Austin Public Health, leading the team responsible for soliciting, negotiating, executing, and managing more than $45 million in social service contracts that support the health and well-being of the Austin community. She has also served as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer for Austin Public Health, bringing extensive expertise in public health operations, contract and grant management, and staff leadership.

A proud New Orleans native, Akeshia holds a Bachelor's in Social Sciences and a Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans. She served as the Recording Secretary for the Central Texas Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Passionate about mentorship, succession planning, and leadership development, Akeshia is dedicated to preparing the nex