Sultan Shakir, president and executive officer of the Mazzoni Center, has announced his resignation from Philadelphia’s largest LGBTQ+ health agency, effective March 31. The announcement comes as the organization navigates ongoing financial and legal challenges.
Shakir informed staff of his decision in an email, citing personal reasons for his departure. He emphasized the difficulty of maintaining a long-distance marriage and his desire to reunite with his husband in Washington, D.C.
“After three years with this incredible team, I have decided to return to D.C. to be with my husband,” Shakir wrote in an email to staff. “Being apart has been incredibly challenging, and it’s time for us to be together again. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at Mazzoni Center—eliminating the waitlist for care, expanding services, and ensuring our community is seen and valued. I’m deeply grateful to the staff for their dedication, and while this isn’t goodbye, I look forward to supporting our community from a different place.”
Despite its challenges, Shakir expressed confidence in Mazzoni Center’s future to PGN.
“The organization is resilient. The waitlist has been eliminated, and while there are challenges, overcoming adversity is part of our history,” he said. “I’m confident that Mazzoni Center will continue to thrive.”
In an email to the community, Board Chair Jeffrey N. Doucette stated that Simon Trowell, the board’s secretary, will serve as interim president and executive officer. Trowell, a retired senior leader with expertise in clinical operations and risk management, joined Mazzoni’s board ten months ago. Doucette cited Trowell’s nearly four decades of health care leadership, including his role as vice president at GSK Research & Development and his experience on Mazzoni’s board. Trowell will work with Shakir to ensure a smooth transition. The board will also soon begin a national search for a permanent president and executive officer.
Doucette also praised Shakir’s contributions to Mazzoni Center in the message to staff.
“Under Sultan’s leadership, the Mazzoni Center has seen many improvements including securing our status as a Federally Qualified Health Center – Look Alike (FQHC-LAL), the elimination of our waiting list, expansion of our behavioral health services, and a significant increase in grant and philanthropic contributions enabling us to expand our programs and outreach,” he wrote. “His commitment to our mission, staff, community, and the patients we serve are very much appreciated and we wish him all the best as he relocates back to Washington, DC with his husband, their dogs, and chosen family.”
Mazzoni Center has been facing financial struggles, highlighted by a June 30, 2022 audit that was released in February 2024 from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, which issued a “going-concern notice,” signaling concerns about its financial sustainability. The audit revealed a $2.9 million operating loss on $12 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, following a $1.5 million loss the previous year.
Shakir reassured the community that Mazzoni Center remains stable and is not at risk of closing.
Mazzoni Center is also at the center of two ongoing lawsuits with funding companies, LCF Group and Fundkite. The two companies filed lawsuits against Mazzoni Center for breaches of contract and Mazzoni filed a lawsuit against both lenders as well. Mazzoni claimed the agency’s former CFO, Rachelle Tritinger signed high-interest contracts with LCF and Fundkite without authorization, leading to lawsuits against the two companies over alleged usurious practices. But the center later withdrew its case. Shakir declined to comment on these lawsuits due to pending litigation.
As the largest LGBTQ+ health center in the region, Mazzoni Center remains vital to Philadelphia’s health care landscape. Shakir pointed to recent initiatives, including a program focused on anal cancer screening for people with HIV and the integration of behavioral and medical healthcare for a more holistic approach.
He emphasized the importance of continued support from the city and state, particularly amid attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and health care access.
Shakir noted that the board will determine the priorities for the next president and executive officer, but expressed pride in the progress made under his leadership.
“When I started, the priority was rebuilding trust,” he said. “I believe we’ve achieved that. People can now count on Mazzoni Center for high-quality care.”
Additionally, Shakir highlighted the organization’s growth, including its designation as a federally qualified health center, which has provided financial stability and expansion opportunities. He is leaving with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the organization’s future.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve built,” he said. “They are incredibly strong, and that’s why I feel comfortable stepping down — I know Mazzoni Center will be in good hands.”
Shakir plans to remain engaged in advocacy and social justice work, whether in LGBTQ+ activism or broader community organizing.
“I don’t have anything specific lined up, but I know I’ll continue fighting for equality and empowering communities,” he said.