The AIDS United board of trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jirair Ratevosian to the Board, effective August 21, 2024. Dr. Ratevosian will serve on the Fundraising Committee and chair the upcoming fall fundraiser with Emmy-nominated actor and Advisory Council member John Roberts.

“I am deeply honored to join the AIDS United board of trustees at such a critical time in our fight to end the HIV epidemic, Dr. Jirair Ratevosian stated. AIDS United has been a beacon of hope and action, advocating tirelessly for those most impacted by HIV. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to drive forward our shared mission of equity, justice, and impact for all communities.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jirair Ratevosian to the AIDS United board of trustees,” said Dr. Eugene McCray, Chair of the board of trustees. “His professional expertise and personal integrity strengthen our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.”

Dr. Ratevosian (he/him) is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University and holds appointments at the Duke Global Health Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. With over two decades of experience spanning public service, nonprofit work, the private sector, and diplomacy, Dr. Ratevosian has an exemplary record of advancing global health and human rights initiatives. He has built partnerships with governments and international organizations, developed bipartisan political coalitions, and spearheaded advocacy efforts that have raised billions of dollars for the global HIV/AIDS response.

His efforts have also modernized laws and policies to align with public health evidence and promoted global peace and justice for genocide survivors. From 2021 to 2023, he served as Acting Chief of Staff and Health Equity Advisor to Ambassador John Nkengasong at the U.S. State Department. Previously, Dr. Ratevosian was the Corporate Social Responsibility Director for Gilead Sciences, Legislative Director to U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (2010-2014), and Deputy Director at amfAR.

In 2023, Dr. Ratevosian launched a historic bid for Congress, driven by his vision of a more equitable, inclusive, and healthy society. He holds a doctoral degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, an M.P.H. from Boston University, and a B.S. from UCLA. His contributions have been featured in publications such as the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, The Lancet, The New York Times, The Body, and The Washington Post.

Following Dr. Ratevosian’s appointment, the board of trustees will comprise twelve trustees. “Jirair is an exceptional leader in the HIV/AIDS movement, and we’re proud and excited to welcome him to the AIDS United family,” added Jesse Milan Jr., President and CEO of AIDS United. 

To learn more about the AIDS United board of trustees, please visit the AIDS United website at aidsunited.org/team

For interview requests with spokespersons from the AIDS United board of trustees or Executive Team, please contact Senior Communications Manager D. D’Ontace Keyes at communications@aidsunited.org.

About AIDS United: AIDS United’s mission is to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. through strategic grant-making, capacity building, technical assistance, and policy and advocacy. AIDS United works to ensure access to life-saving HIV care and prevention services and to advance sound HIV-related policy for the populations and communities most impacted by the U.S. epidemic.