“Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.”
Jesse Milan, Jr. is an internationally respected leader whose life’s work has been defined by an unyielding commitment to advancing public health, empowering communities, and fostering global collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For over four decades, he has stood at the forefront of policy, advocacy, and executive leadership—bridging the worlds of government, academia, and nonprofit enterprise. A lawyer by training and a humanitarian by calling, Milan’s influence extends far beyond the institutions he has led; it reaches into the hearts of those who have been inspired by his integrity, intellect, and relentless drive to make a difference.
Milan’s career began in the legal field after earning his Juris Doctor from the New York University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Early in his career, he served as an Associate Attorney in Labor Law with the prestigious firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP before joining the City of Philadelphia Law Department as Deputy City Solicitor. These foundational years shaped his understanding of governance, advocacy, and the delicate interplay between legal frameworks and public responsibility—insights that would later define his leadership in health and human services.
His tenure with Temple University marked a significant evolution in his professional journey. Serving as Associate University Counsel, then for six years as Chief of Staff to the University President, Milan honed his executive management skills and deepened his expertise in organizational leadership, higher education policy, and strategic communications. These experiences not only refined his ability to manage complex institutional dynamics but also revealed his natural gift for bringing people together around a shared mission—an aptitude that would become central to his approach as a public health leader.
Milan’s transition into public health leadership began with his election as board chair of two leading HIV/AIDS organizations for Pennsylvania, and his election as the first chair for the nine-county Philadelphia Ryan White Planning Council authorized by the federal government. The community’s trust in him led to his appointment as Director of the Office of AIDS for the City of Philadelphia, where he managed a $21 million budget and led over 200 service contracts in prevention, treatment, and care. Under his leadership, Philadelphia’s HIV response became a national model for coordinated, community-centered health initiatives. His success in this role propelled him into increasingly visible positions of influence, where his ability to bridge science, policy, and compassion distinguished him as one of the nation’s most trusted voices in public health.
Over the years, Milan’s executive leadership extended to national and international platforms. As Vice President for Health Communications at the Constella Group and later as Vice President and Director of Community Health Systems at the Altarum Institute, he directed multi-million-dollar operations and multidisciplinary teams focused on health equity, HIV prevention, and systems transformation. His strategic oversight of national and global programs for the CDC, HRSA, NIH, and the World Health Organization exemplified his skill in navigating complex federal partnerships and advancing national health goals and global health outcomes through collaboration and innovation.
The federal government’s trust in Milan led the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to appoint him co-chair of the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV and STD Prevention and Care – a role he held for five years. He’s been tapped repeatedly by HHS and the Department of Defense to lead planning committees and represent patients on grant review committees for research and program funding. He brought his objective approach to grantmaking to his five-year term as president of the Princeton Class of 1978 Foundation that offers grants to students to mount public service projects.
In 2016, Milan was appointed President & CEO of AIDS United—a role that would define the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Over nine years, he transformed the organization into one of the most impactful public health nonprofits in the United States, driving during his tenure over $73 Million in grantmaking to 500+ organizations nationwide. Under his leadership, AIDS United’s annual AIDSWatch event became a cornerstone of national advocacy, mobilizing thousands of voices to shape HIV policy on Capitol Hill. His years as CEO were marked by both vision and compassion, ensuring that those most affected by HIV were not only heard but empowered.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Milan has continued to influence public policy at the highest levels of government. He currently serves on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA), the American Board of Internal Medicine Council, the board of AVAC, and on the Advisory Council for the U.S. Business Action to End HIV whose members include Walmart, CVS, and Chevron. His previous service includes eleven years on the PEPFAR Scientific Advisory Board, and board chair roles for the Black AIDS Institute and the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition. He served also until 2025 as board chair of Funders Concerned About AIDS whose members include Gilead Sciences, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Broadway Cares and Merck. Through these appointments, Milan has shaped public health strategy not just for one generation but for generations to come.
A sought-after keynote speaker and Fulbright Senior Specialist, Milan has addressed millions around the world with messages of hope, resilience, and responsibility. His international impact includes conducting for the U.S. State Department three solo month-long speaking tours across Africa engaging leaders in Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia, among others—to promote understanding, prevention, and compassion in the global response to HIV. Whether speaking in boardrooms or at conferences, on TV or webinars, or on local or world stages, his voice carries both the authority of experience and the authenticity of empathy.
Throughout his remarkable career, Milan’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus, the Alexander Forger Award from the American Bar Association, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Association of Black Princeton Alumni. Virginia Theological Seminary conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his faith-driven leadership in global health, underscoring how his spirituality informs his service and his vision for a more equitable world.
Today, following his retirement in July 2025 as AIDS United’s CEO, Milan continues sharing his knowledge as a Public Health and Leadership Consultant, by guiding organizations and leaders toward greater impact, sustainability, and integrity. His expertise in governance, executive coaching, and strategic development makes him a sought-after advisor for both corporate and nonprofit boards. Rooted in the belief that leadership is service, he exemplifies a rare combination of intellect, humility, and courage that inspires confidence and change wherever he leads.
Character:
Jesse Milan’s character is defined by integrity, empathy, and resilience. Throughout his career, he has embodied the principles of servant leadership, placing people and purpose at the center of every decision. His deep moral conviction, legal ethics, and commitment to equity have earned him respect across diverse sectors, making him a trusted voice in times of uncertainty.
Knowledge:
With more than forty years of professional experience, Milan possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge in law, governance, public health, and organizational leadership. His insights are informed by both lived experience and academic rigor, allowing him to navigate complex global systems with clarity and foresight. His scholarly grounding and real-world expertise make him a credible, forward-thinking advisor to institutions worldwide.
Strategic:
Milan’s strategic acumen has guided multimillion-dollar organizations, shaped federal health policies, and advanced global HIV initiatives. He is a skilled board leader who is expert at building consensus and assuring good corporate governance. His ability to identify long-term objectives while managing immediate priorities demonstrates an exceptional balance of vision and pragmatism. Whether advising corporate boards or leading national programs, he consistently crafts strategies that align mission with measurable impact.
Communication:
A gifted communicator, Milan connects with audiences through authenticity, passion, and purpose. His keynote addresses and policy advocacy efforts have inspired countless individuals to take action in the pursuit of health equity and social justice. He articulates complex issues with clarity and compassion, making him both a persuasive leader and an empowering mentor.
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