Vanessa Kerry, MD MSc

CEO, Seed Global Health | Special Envoy Climate Change and Health, WHO

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

About

Strategic and service driven leader with deep experience guiding organizations at the intersection of health, climate, and global policy. Seasoned CEO who founded and scaled Seed Global Health into an international enterprise training 47,000+ health professionals across Africa. Physician and academic who drives evidence-based change and quality improvement in practice and policy expertise. Serves as WHO Special Envoy for Climate and Health and advises governments, multilaterals, and private sector partners on risk, resilience, and long-term value creation. Trusted and engaged voice in global forums and experienced in fundraising, advocacy, and governance across public, private, and philanthropic sectors. Brings disciplined operational leadership, coalition-building expertise, and a strong orientation toward impact, sustainability, and innovation.

Experience

  • Director, Global and Climate Policy, Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health at World Health Organization
    Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    In this new role, Dr. Kerry will provide strategic counsel to the WHO Director-General and other key decision makers on climate and health strategy, amplify WHO climate and health messaging, advocate for global impact, and help mobilize crucial resources to advance the work of the WHO.

  • Chief Executive Officer at Seed Global Health
    Aug 2011 - Present · 15 yrs

  • Massachusetts General Hospital (15 yrs 1 mo)
    • Doctor, Critical Care
      Jul 2011 - Present · 15 yrs 1 mo

    • Director of Program in Global Public Policy
      Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

  • Director, Program in Global Public Policy and Social Change at Harvard Medical School
    Jul 2010 - Sep 2024 · 14 yrs 3 mos