The National Medical Association (NMA), the largest and oldest organization representing Black physicians and their patients in the United States, announced the appointment of Martin Hamlette as its new interim executive director, succeeding Joy Calloway.
Hamlette currently serves as president and CEO of Evergreen Hill Advisors LLC, an executive advisory firm specializing in social impact, workforce development, and population health strategic planning and administration. His appointment as interim executive director of the NMA became effective Oct. 11.
Most recently, Hamlette served as U.S. head of ESG strategy, operations and partnerships at Novartis, where he led strategic collaborations and initiatives focused on expanding access, promoting innovation, and improving population health outcomes. In 2021, working closely with Dr. Patrice Matchaba, former president of the Novartis U.S. Foundation, he helped to launch the $50 million Novartis Beacon of Hope initiative to improve health outcomes and higher education opportunities.
A respected thought leader within the global health care industry, Hamlette expertise has been recognized on international stages. In June 2025, he presented key program outcomes at the Cannes Lions Festival in France.
In 2024, he addressed driving societal impact at the Unleash America Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. His previous appointments include serving on the COVID-19 Advisory Council at the Rockefeller Foundation in 2021, and as a featured panelist at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2019, where he discussed the economic and social inequities influencing health outcomes.
Hamlette is no stranger to the NMA, having previously served as executive director from 2015 through 2022. During his tenure, he led the organization through a seven-year period of sustained expansion and growth, securing multi-year partnerships with Fortune 100 companies and private foundations dedicated to advancing health equity through public-private collaboration. Notably, he was both the youngest and longest-serving executive director in the association’s history.
“It is an honor to return to the National Medical Association and serve its members once again during such a pivotal time for our profession and our communities,” Hamlette said. “The NMA has always stood as a beacon for health equity and social justice in medicine, and I am excited to help advance that mission alongside our dedicated leadership, physicians, and partners.”
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, the 126th NMA president, celebrated Hamlette’s appointment.
“Mr. Hamlette is uniquely equipped to lead the National Medical Association at this pivotal moment,” said Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., the 126th President of the NMA. “His extensive background and demonstrated skill in managing complex organizations and tackling pressing health policy matters will serve the NMA well as he helps chart its course forward.”
Prior to his initial leadership at NMA, Hamlette served as chief advisor on health policy and legislation to former District Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Howard University, a juris doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law, and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Global Public Health.
He is licensed to practice law in Maryland, New Jersey, and the District. Dr. Michael G. Knight, chair of the NMA board of trustees, welcomed Hamlette back.
“His visionary leadership, strategic insight, and valued expertise with public-private partnerships will ensure that the association continues to thrive and lead on behalf of Black physicians and the communities we serve,” Knight said.