ST. LOUIS — Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, the city’s health director under former Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, will not be sticking around for the Spencer administration.

Davis, who led the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw significant expansions of the department’s work in behavioral health and jail health care, publicly announced her decision Friday morning.

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign,” she wrote in a letter posted to social media. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to serve this city.”

The resignation did not come out of the blue. Davis was appointed by Jones and supported her unsuccessful re-election campaign. People who know the women say they are close.

Still, many city leaders have spoken highly of Davis’ work, especially during the pandemic, and some hoped she might stay on.

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“It’s a huge loss,” said Aldermanic President Megan Green, a Jones ally.

Spencer, who took office April 15, confirmed Davis’ resignation in a written statement.

“Dr. Mati has done an exemplary job and is well-respected by her employees and citizens,” Spencer said. “I thank her for her service.”

It was not immediately clear when exactly Davis would step away from her position. She said she had offered to stay on for a transition period to ensure a smooth handoff to her successor.

A spokesperson for the mayor did not immediately have an answer.

Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here's a glimpse at the week of April 13, 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.

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