Richard So, MPH, MPA

Biography

Richard So is dedicated to eliminating hepatitis B and liver cancer, with a vision of making the San Francisco Bay Area the first hepatitis B free region in the U.S. He has over a decade of experience in healthcare, including five years as Executive Director of Hep B Free, one of the country's leading hepatitis B organizations. His background spans healthcare consulting, Peace Corps service in rural Paraguay, and leadership across major coalitions like Hep B United, End the Epidemics, and the California Hepatitis Alliance.

Richard holds dual master's degrees in public health and public administration from Columbia University. His work has centered on community-powered, culturally responsive strategies to expand hepatitis B education, screening, and care.

Under his leadership, Hep B Free helped secure $8 million from the California legislature for the state's first chronic hepatitis B demonstration projects and co-led the successful passage of AB 789, which requires primary care providers to offer hepatitis B and C screenings. Richard is known for building effective partnerships, scaling innovative programs, and turning grassroots ideas into statewide and national action.