Trishan Panch, President of the Health Care for All Board of Directors, issued the
following statement in response to Governor Maura Healey’s announcement that Amy
Rosenthal, Executive Director of Health Care for All, will be named Undersecretary of
Health for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services:
“Amy Rosenthal is a true health care champion, and we are thrilled that Governor
Healey has asked her to serve in this senior role supporting the people of
Massachusetts. We at Health Care for All (HCFA) know that Amy will bring the same
passionate, savvy and strategic approach to delivering for Governor Healey and
Secretary Mahaniah as she has for the last eight years and throughout her career.
“Amy’s tenure at HCFA will be remembered for the sweeping policy, public health and
grassroots successes made here since she took over in 2017. From overseeing the
direct service work helping people enroll in health coverage and problem-solving real
world health care crises to leading groundbreaking legislative changes around
prescription drugs and expanded coverage for people who need it most, Amy has driven
powerful successes in every facet of our work.
“One of Amy’s signature accomplishments will be her stewardship of HCFA through and
since the COVID-19 pandemic, including creating and leading large-scale, multi-lingual
and multi-cultural state-funded campaigns to address inequities in COVID-19
vaccination rates, MassHealth renewals at the end of the public health emergency and
recent hospital closures. That work will help define Amy’s rich and important legacy
leading HCFA and ensuring it can transition seamlessly to its next great leader.
“Ashley Blackburn has been promoted to HCFA’s Deputy Executive Director, a new and
permanent leadership role where she will ensure HCFA’s programmatic goals are
achieved. She will also serve as the Interim Executive Director while the board conducts
a national search for an Executive Director. Ashley’s steady leadership and commitment
to health justice make her exceptionally well suited to guide HCFA during this period of
transition.
“The strong team at HCFA is unwavering in their commitment to the organization’s
mission. Whether they are answering calls on the HelpLine, staffing tables at community
events or lobbying for policy changes at the State House, HCFA’s team is making a
difference each and every day. We know the organization will continue to thrive and
excel long after Amy’s departure.
“We are excited for Amy as she begins this new chapter and thank her for all the
thoughtfulness and compassion she has brought while advocating for and fighting on
behalf of our team and the people of Massachusetts. We also want to thank all of our
allies and partner organizations who have and continue to support HCFA in our mission
to make health care more equitable, accessible and affordable.”