Project HEAL Announces Dr. Whitney Trotter as Incoming CEO
NEW YORK CITY, May 7, 2026 – Today marks Project HEAL’s 18th birthday, and an exciting new chapter for the organization. Project HEAL is pleased to announce that Dr. Whitney Trotter, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RDN/LDN, will join the organization as its next Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Trotter is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Registered Dietitian, and nationally recognized educator in the eating disorder field, with deep expertise at the intersection of mental health, nutrition, and trauma-informed care. She brings over 15 years of experience working across diverse communities, including in the eating disorder field, HIV/AIDS care, and anti-trafficking efforts, and has trained thousands of clinicians nationwide. Dr. Trotter will transition to full-time CEO leadership on June 9, 2026.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Whitney Trotter as our next CEO," said Dr. Sylvia Romm, Board Chair of Project HEAL. "She brings the leadership, values, and perspective needed to guide Project HEAL forward."
"Project HEAL’s commitment to expanding access to care and addressing systemic gaps in the eating disorder field deeply aligns with my work. I’m excited to partner with this community to build on that foundation and increase impact,” shared Dr. Trotter.
Project HEAL deeply appreciates the leadership of outgoing CEO Akiera Holloway-Gilbert, under whose tenure the organization quadrupled the care it delivers. In 2025 alone, Project HEAL connected nearly 3,500 individuals to free eating disorder treatment and support — valued at more than $9 million — for those who were locked out of care. Akiera will stay on to support Project HEAL as a Senior Advisor.
"Whitney is an inspirational leader whose passion, dedication, and fight for people with eating disorders is remarkable, and I’m thrilled to support her transition into Project HEAL,” said Akiera Holloway-Gilbert.
Project HEAL is embracing the next phase in its journey with strong momentum, continuing its mission to improve equitable access to care for people with eating disorders across the U.S.
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About Project HEAL
Project HEAL is on a mission to break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers to eating disorder healing. Through direct support, education, and advocacy, the nonprofit helps people navigate the complexities of care while working to transform the systems that created those barriers in the first place. Project HEAL does this by providing five free direct services to those in need of eating disorder healing, and expanding access to identity-affirming care through its clinician training program. Founded in 2008, Project HEAL remains the only major U.S. nonprofit focused on equitable access to eating disorder treatment. Learn more in their latest Impact Report and by following Project HEAL on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
For press inquiries please contact:
Tara Criscuolo
marketing@theprojectheal.org