Akinwole Garrett Takes the Helm as President and COO of BlackDoctor.org

In an exciting development for the health and wellness community, BlackDoctor.org (BDO) has appointed Akinwole (Aki) Garrett as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). With near two decades of expertise in media and digital innovation, Garrett steps into this role eager to lead BDO into its next transformative chapter.

Founded two decades ago, BDO has established itself as the preeminent health destination for people of color in the United States. Garrett's appointment signifies the organization's commitment to further growth, innovation, and service to the Black community. He expressed his deep honor to be joining the team at such a critical time, emphasizing, “BDO has spent 20 years earning its place as the most trusted source for Black health and wellness. I'm excited to usher in the next phase — BDO 2.0 — as we build upon that legacy and innovate for the future.”

Under the leadership of CEO Reggie Ware, this marks a bold new chapter for BDO. Ware noted, “Our power lies in our culture, the trust from our community, and our storytelling. Aki brings the leadership and vision to help us reach even more families, drive meaningful change, and continue our mission to make every Black family as healthy as possible.”

As the new President and COO, Garrett will have oversight of BDO’s daily operations, business strategy, and plans for expansion into new verticals such as premium video content, influencer marketing through podcasting, lifestyle initiatives, strategic partnerships, and e-commerce platforms.

Garrett's experience is vast and impressive. Before joining BDO, he held the position of Vice President of Business Development and M&A at REVOLT Media & TV, which is recognized as the largest Black-owned media company in the United States. During his tenure there, he spearheaded initiatives that launched new business ventures and introduced innovative revenue streams, including the creation of the REVOLT Podcast Network and the REVOLT Creator Network.

His professional journey also includes senior roles at SHE Media, where he was pivotal to the company’s acquisition by Penske Media, as well as positions at CBS and The Walt Disney Company. Garrett’s unique background combines both organic and acquisition-based growth strategies, making him a perfect fit to fulfill BDO’s ambitious plans for the future.

Garrett's personal connection to health challenges drives his passion for the mission of BDO. He stated, “Having personally experienced health challenges and seen them affect my family, BDO's mission resonates with me deeply. This role blends my passion for wellness with my commitment to serving the Black community in meaningful, transformative ways.”

Garrett's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis' Olin School of Business and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Together with his wife and three children, he currently resides in North Carolina, where they prioritize health and wellness as a family.

As BDO celebrates its 20th anniversary, the organization continues to leverage culture, technology, and content to inspire healthier lifestyles and representations for people of color. With 6.5 million monthly visitors to its website and a social media reach of 20 million, BDO stands as a crucial resource for health care in the community. The recently launched BlackDoctor Chat Bot, an AI-powered tool supplying culturally competent health information, represents just one of many innovations expected under Garrett’s leadership.

In conclusion, Akinwole Garrett’s appointment promises a forward-thinking approach to health and wellness that will significantly contribute to the ongoing success of BlackDoctor.org and its mission to improve the health landscape for Black families across the nation.