Program Executive | Global Health & Behavioral Health Systems | Federal & Government Programs
Bridging Wellness Gaps Worldwide Through Leadership, Systems, and Care
Dr. Akindotun Merino is a globally recognized program executive who has directed $130M in public health budgets, led WHO-funded international initiatives, and designed programs now impacting 20 million+ citizens across Africa, Europe, and the United States.
Akindotun Merino, PhD · PMP-Track · Former Mental Health Commissioner
Citizens Impacted Globally
Public Mental Health Budget Overseen
Years of Executive Leadership
Continents — Africa, Europe & North America
Areas of Expertise
Where Strategy Meets Systems
Federal Program Management
Large-scale government program administration, public sector health systems, budget oversight, and regulatory compliance. Proven leadership across federal agencies, county government, and public-private partnerships spanning 13+ years.
Global Health Systems
International development program leadership, WHO and UNICEF partnerships, and multi-country trauma recovery initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Programs impacting 20 million+ citizens across three continents.
Behavioral Health Integration
Mental health policy development and systems implementation, commissioner-level program oversight, and community behavioral health program design. Directed a $130M public mental health budget as Mental Health Commissioner for San Bernardino County.
Selected Engagements
Trusted by Leading Global Institutions
Trusted by leading global institutions and government agencies.
UNICEF
World Health Organization
Doctors Without Borders
San Bernardino County Government
Argosy University
National University
Antioch University
Recognition & Media
Recognized Globally for Excellence in Leadership and Impact
Honors & Awards
- —
Woman of Distinction, California Assembly Legislature
- —
Woman of the Year, California State Legislature
- —
Person of the Year, World Women Congress
Media Features
- —
Cited in The Lancet
- —
Featured in The Guardian
- —
Featured on CNN Africa
Principal Investigator, WHO-funded African Trauma Recovery Initiative (2023–2025) · Lead Grant Writer, US-Africa Mental Health Bridge Program ($2M secured, 2024)
"I don't just manage programs. I build systems that outlast my presence."
— Dr. Akindotun Merino, PhD
About Dr. Merino
Dr. Akindotun Merino, PhD is a globally recognized executive consultant, program management leader, and behavioral health systems architect. As Mental Health Commissioner for San Bernardino County's Fourth District for 13 years, she oversaw a $130M public mental health budget and transformed systems serving hundreds of thousands of residents.
Her international footprint spans Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States — with programs impacting 20 million+ citizens across Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America through partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders.
Founder of the African Trauma Care Alliance, CEO of Jars Education Group, and President of the Black Women Congress, Dr. Merino brings rare executive breadth to every engagement.
Learn More About Dr. Merino"Twenty years of building systems, securing funding, and leading teams across three continents — not as a consultant who visits, but as a leader who stays until the work is done."
Available for Engagements
Ready to Bring Expert Leadership to Your Organization?
Dr. Merino is available for federal contracts, consulting engagements, and advisory roles — remote and on-site.