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.”…