- Executive Office of Health and Human Services
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Olivia James, Deputy Communications Director
BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the members of the Rural Health Transformation Program Community Advisory Council, which will provide guidance as the state distributes the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities across the state over the next five years.
“Rural communities understand their health care challenges and opportunities better than anyone, and their voices need to be at the center of this work,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The members of this council bring valuable experience and perspectives from across Massachusetts, and their guidance will help us make thoughtful investments that improve care, expand access, and support healthier communities statewide.”
“Everyone deserves access to high-quality health care close to home, no matter where they live,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This council will help ensure that communities across rural Massachusetts have a real voice in shaping investments that strengthen local health care systems, improve outcomes, and support providers, workers, and families for years to come.”
This council is part of an ongoing commitment to center community voices in the Rural Health Transformation Program by providing feedback, insights, and on the ground perspectives. Input from the council will help guide program development and support sound, community-informed decision-making across the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) when distributing these funds. Council membership intentionally reflects a range of populations, organizations, and geographic areas, allowing for a broad range of insight into the needs of rural areas in the state.
“From the Cape to the Berkshires, we have incredible talent ready to meet this moment and identify opportunities for rural communities in critical fields from preventative health care to workforce development and technology,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “I am deeply grateful to all of the leaders who have signed on to the Community Advisory Council. Their guidance will be critical to the success of the Rural Health Transformation Program.”
The Rural Health Transformation Program is operated by EOHHS, led by Project Director of the Massachusetts Rural Health Transformation Program, Eliza Lake, and Director of Rural Health Transformation, Kirby Lecy.
| CAC Member | Entity / Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Damien Archer | Outer Cape Health Services |
| Ezekiel Baskin | Massachusetts Rural Council on Health |
| Stephanie Barth | VNA of Cape Cod |
| Amber Besaw | Northern Berkshire Community Coalition |
| Margaret Burch | FRCOG Public Health Collaborative |
| Rebecca Caine | Berkshire Health Systems – Rural Health Clinic |
| Adam Delmolino | Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association |
| Moses Dixon | Senior Connection, Inc. |
| Brian Drake | Mountain One Insurance, Resident (Berkshires) |
| Lee Drewitz | United Way of Pioneer Valley |
| Liz Ganz | Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health |
| Jennifer Gowey | Southern Berkshire Rural Health Network |
| Hillary Greenberg-Lemos | Town of Eastham |
| Tara Gregorio | Massachusetts Senior Care Association |
| Lucy Hackney | Island Health |
| Neil Halin | East Quabbin Rural Collaborative |
| Jen Healy | Quaboag Connector |
| David Lieberman | Nantucket Cottage Hospital |
| James Lomastro | Retired - Dignity Alliance - CARF International |
| Mike McGill | Resident (Hilltowns) |
| Mary Ellen McIntyre | Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers |
| Christopher McLaughlin | Elder Services of Berkshire County |
| John Meaney | Northern Berkshire EMS |
| Traci Montewith | Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Oaks Bluff EMS, MV Charter School |
| Rozanna Penney | Heywood Hospital |
| Patricia Pistone | UMass Memorial Health/ Health Alliance Clinton |
| Michael Purdy | Hilltown Community Health Center |
| Charles Redd | Berkshire Health Systems |
| Nicole Rodier | Access Telecare |
| Maile Shoul | Behavioral Health Network |
| Shaun Suhoski | Town of Athol |
| Allison van der Velden | Franklin County Community Health Center |
| Phoebe Walker | Rural Policy Advisory Commission |
| Tami Wilson | Resident (Cape Cod) |
| Jennifer Wood | Woods Ambulance Service |
The Rural Health Transformation Program in Massachusetts
This landmark program (RHTP) will be led by an interagency team comprised of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Department of Public Health (DPH), MassHealth, DPH’s State Office of Rural Health, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development’s Office of Rural Affairs, and other agencies throughout state government.
On December 29, 2025, Massachusetts was awarded $162,005,238.13 as a first-year award in the form of a cooperative agreement from CMS.
For more information, please visit the Rural Health Transformation Program website: https://www.mass.gov/rural-health-transformation-program
This information is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $162,005,238.13 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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