Iris Taylor, leader in Detroit healthcare and DPSCD board member, dies at 74

Iris Taylor, a prominent figure in Detroit's healthcare and education sectors and a member of the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) board, passed away at the age of 74. Taylor's death occurred a week after she announced her intention to seek re-election to the school board. Friends and colleagues emphasized her ongoing commitment to the DPSCD and her significant contributions to healthcare and education.

Taylor held various key positions, including treasurer for the DPSCD board, former nursing director for the City of Detroit, and a long-standing nurse and healthcare administrator for the Detroit Medical Center. Her influence on the district's advancements was acknowledged by DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and board President LaTrice McClendon. They highlighted her role in guiding crucial decisions that would benefit future generations of Detroit students. McClendon expressed deep sorrow over her loss.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and former Mayor Mike Duggan also mourned her passing, praising her dedication and leadership. Taylor's healthcare career spanned over 45 years, beginning in 1975 at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center. She rose to become the chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care at DMC by 1999. Taylor was appointed president of the Harper Hospital and Hutzel Women's Hospital in 2004.

Taylor's political career began when she became the first elected president of the DPSCD board in 2017. In her inaugural address, she emphasized the importance of trustworthiness and transparency for the new board. Despite losing her re-election bid in 2020, Taylor secured victory in 2022. She later served as chair of the DPSCD Foundation, starting in 2024, and played a crucial role in the return of Davis Aerospace Technical High School to the Detroit City Airport.

Taylor's legacy was celebrated by the DPSCD Foundation, which valued her ability to unite leaders across various sectors around shared goals. Her achievements were further recognized with distinguished alumni awards from Wayne State University in May. Friends and colleagues, including former board member Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, recalled their close relationship and shared aspirations for the future.