CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

Meet SCI’s Ajaye Pope, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Since joining Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI) in 2022, Ajaye has brought a deep commitment to mission-driven work. Before SCI, she served as COO at Chase Brexton, a Federally Qualified Health Center, where she focused on improving systems and access for underserved areas and communities.  She also held key leadership positions at Johns Hopkins University and has extensive experience optimizing healthcare delivery systems across diverse settings.

“I have always desired to work in a profession connected to the community to serve,” Ajaye says.  “It’s important that I work for a mission-driven organization, one that supports others and helps them navigate complex systems and empowers them to advocate for themselves.”

Her passion for service is deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed community and family members as well as friends struggle due to a lack of resources and support. That experience shaped her career path, she says.

Ajaye’s journey to Maryland began 26 years ago when she moved here from Detroit, Michigan, to attend college at Coppin State University – an experience she considers her proudest accomplishment. “I left everything I knew to start over. I built a new community, created lifelong friendships, and established a life for myself.”

After earning her undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Ajaye went on to a earn Master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Baltimore, with a focus on Healthcare Management. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Throughout life, everyone needs people in their corner to support them, and it was no different for Ajaye. In addition to her beloved mother, Carrie Ann Dawson, older sister Michelle Banks, and twin sister, Ashley Pope, she was fortunate enough to have her high school coach, Charleston Fobbs, as well as professors and directors like Delores G. Kelley, assistant professor in the education department; Dr. Mary Wanza, PhD, Director of Parlett L. Moore Library; and Jill Kearney, who all reassured and supported her along the way.

“These were people who went out of their way to reassure me that I could succeed and that it anything I focused on was possible,” Ajaye recalls.  She credits them with helping her achieve her to develop into the person she is today.

Representation is another key motivator for Ajaye. “It’s really important,” she says. “Whether it’s my age, being a woman, or being a person of color, I want to set an example and help open doors as well as advocate for others.”

As COO, no two days look the same. Ajaye balances a packed schedule, but one thing remains constant – her accessibility to her team and others. “I want people to feel like they know me,” she says. “My role comes with responsibility, but I never want to be too busy for my team and other colleagues. Being available, approachable, and supportive is just as important as any operational goal.”

For Ajaye, the energy and dedication of SCI’s 1,100+ team members make her work deeply fulfilling.  “It brings me a lot of joy to know we have one shared goal, one common mission,” she says SCI’s dedication to the people and communities we support.

“There are good days, and tough days, but our team’s positive attitudes and commitment to our mission and communities inspire me every day.”

This Black History Month, we celebrate Ajaye and the many Black professionals at SCI who uplift and empower their communities through service. Thank you, Ajaye, for your leadership, impact and dedication to making a difference.