Governor Maura Healey has appointed Kate Walsh, the CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System, as secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
Walsh, who will start her new position on March 1, comes to the role after a 13-year run as the head of Boston Medical Center Health System — one of the longest-serving health system CEOs in the state. She ran not only the 514-bed Boston hospital that serves a large portion of patients on government insurance, but also WellSense Health Plan, formerly BMC HealthNet Plan, which serves a large population of MassHealth patients.
“Secretary Walsh has a deep understanding of the Massachusetts health care system and we look forward to working with her on our efforts to modernize the nursing home funding formula and address our workforce crisis,” stated Tara M. Gregorio, President.
Walsh’s appointment places her at the helm of the state’s largest single department, which includes over 12 agencies, two soldiers’ homes, and the state’s Medicaid program. With a combined budget of more than $27 billion, the department accounts for over half of the state’s spending, touching on everything from children in protective custody to elder affairs.