Sally Zubairu-Cofield Resigns as Pennsylvania WIC Director

Sally Zubairu-Cofield, director of the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, resigned from the Shapiro administration after leading the office since her 2022 appointment. In her resignation letter obtained by Spotlight PA, she alleged that she experienced excessive oversight, micromanagement, and discriminatory circumstances as a Black woman, including suggestions from leadership that she needed to take “baby steps.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed her exit and stated that other staff members are currently leading the program while the agency searches for a permanent replacement. WIC offices across the state remain fully operational with continued service to participants, according to the department’s statement.

Resignation Letter Details Ongoing Workplace Challenges

Zubairu-Cofield detailed her departure in a letter dated Sept. 21, writing that she faced cumulative circumstances that took a serious toll on her well-being. According to reporting by Spotlight PA, she stated that she encountered barriers limiting her leadership of the Department of Health’s Bureau of Women, Infants and Children, alongside expectations to accept limitations not applied consistently to other bureau directors.

Early in her tenure, Zubairu-Cofield wrote that she faced multiple allegations and investigations that she understood were subsequently determined to be unfounded. She added that the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board instructed her not to discuss those allegations. The board did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding that directive.

Department of Health refers allegations for investigation

The Department of Health stated that it referred Zubairu-Cofield’s allegations to the Bureau of Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations within the Office of Administration. A spokesperson for the Office of Administration stated that the office reviews all matters referred for investigation and takes appropriate action according to policy, though the agency did not explicitly confirm receipt of the Department of Health’s referral.

Zubairu-Cofield noted in her resignation that she repeatedly raised her concerns about workplace challenges but did not identify specific individuals in her letter. She emphasized that stepping away does not mean a withdrawal of her previously raised concerns, adding that she reserves all rights concerning those matters.

WIC enrollment in Pennsylvania decreases

The Bureau of WIC administers a federal food assistance initiative providing food grants, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education to low-income women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, as well as children under five years old. Program organizers reported approximately 175,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled as of August, marking a decrease from 184,000 enrollees the previous year.

Zubairu-Cofield’s career in WIC stemmed from a personal background. According to a profile published by the Pittsburgh-based Jewish Healthcare Foundation, she encountered a negative experience at a Maryland WIC agency at age 19 while pregnant, which motivated her to enter nursing school and dedicate her career to ensuring program participants were treated respectfully.

Frequently Asked Questions About the WIC Leadership Change

Who is currently leading the Pennsylvania WIC program?

Other Department of Health staff members are leading the Bureau of Women, Infants and Children while the administration searches for a permanent director, according to the Department of Health.

How many people are enrolled in Pennsylvania WIC services?

WIC organizers reported approximately 175,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled in the food assistance program as of August, down from 184,000 the prior year.

What state agency is reviewing the allegations?

The Department of Health referred Zubairu-Cofield’s allegations to the Bureau of Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations under the Office of Administration.