Autumn Saxton-Ross, Ph.D.
Program Director, PLACE MATTERS
Health Policy Institute

Autumn Saxton-Ross, Ph.D., is a resident of the District of Columbia and currently serves at the Program Director for the PLACE MATTERS initiative at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Previously, she has been the Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Specialist for the DC Department of Health and the Assistant Director for Health in Parks for Washington Parks & People. In those positions, Dr. Saxton-Ross focused on environmental and policy approaches to healthy eating and active living and promoting the natural connection between parks, recreation and health. Prior to receiving her doctorate, Dr. Saxton-Ross was the Health and Wellness Coordinator for both Montgomery County and DC Recreation departments, taught Women’s Health for Howard University and was a Physical Education and Health teacher for DC Public Schools. With degrees in sociology, health education, and exercise science, her research, academic and professional interests are on the social and physical environment and their influences on physical activity, specifically in Black and urban populations and the health benefits of parks and green spaces. Her life’s work is improving the health of communities through engagement, activity, education, exposure and opportunity, truly believing that a healthy life is lived better outdoors.