August 5, 2026 (São Paulo, Brazil) – Vital Strategies is pleased to announce the appointment of Selma Moreira as Country Director for Brazil. A respected leader with more than two decades of experience spanning business, philanthropy, and civil society, Moreira will lead the organization’s work in Brazil, guiding its strategy, partnerships, and operations to advance stronger public health systems and healthier communities across the country.
Working closely with government leaders, civil society organizations, academic institutions, donors, and global colleagues, Moreira will oversee one of Vital Strategies’ largest country portfolios, helping strengthen partnerships and advance policies and programs that improve population health.
“Brazil has long been at the forefront of public health innovation, and our work there continues to demonstrate how strong partnerships and locally driven solutions can improve health at scale,” said Timothy Mah, Senior Vice President, Global Planning, Operations, and Strategic Initiatives, Vital Strategies. “Selma brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, partnership-building, and a deep commitment to equity and systems change. Her experience working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors makes her uniquely positioned to lead our Brazil office into its next chapter.”
A recognized leader in advancing equity, strengthening institutions, and building cross-sector partnerships, Moreira has dedicated her career to creating lasting social impact. Most recently, she served as Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Latin America at JPMorgan. Previously, she was Executive Director of Baobá – the Racial Equity Fund, Brazil’s first and only philanthropic fund dedicated exclusively to advancing racial equity for the country’s Black population.
Earlier in her career, Moreira held senior leadership roles at Walmart, Fundação Alphaville, and the Technology Incubator for Popular Cooperatives at Fundação Getulio Vargas (ITCP-FGV), helping advance social innovation, sustainable development, and community partnerships. She also serves on the boards and advisory bodies of several nonprofit organizations, reflecting her longstanding commitment to strengthening civil society and advancing equitable social change.
“I am honored to join Vital Strategies at a time when collaboration and strong public institutions are more important than ever,” said Selma Moreira. “Brazil’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and improving health requires solutions rooted in equity, partnership, and local leadership. I look forward to working alongside our talented team and partners across the country to help build a healthier future for all Brazilians.”
Moreira holds a degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate specialization in Strategic Organizational Communication Management. She also holds MBAs in Social Management and the Advanced Boardroom Program for Women and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Management and Policy at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV-SP).
Moreira’s appointment follows Pedro de Paula‘s transition to lead Vital Strategies’ newly established Office of Global Innovation. After successfully leading the Brazil office and expanding its partnerships and impact, de Paula now oversees the organization’s efforts to advance innovation, digital transformation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies across Vital Strategies’ global work. He will also serve as Chair of the Brazil Executive Management Team, ensuring continuity and providing institutional representation and support during the transition and beyond.
For many years, Vital Strategies has partnered with national, state, and municipal governments and local organizations across Brazil to address some of the country’s most pressing public health challenges, including noncommunicable diseases, road safety, urban health, climate resilience, food policy, data for health, and environmental health. Under Moreira’s leadership, the Brazil office will continue strengthening those partnerships and advancing practical solutions that help people across Brazil live longer, healthier lives.