Amy Rosenthal, a seasoned public health leader with an extensive background in Massachusetts' health policy, has been appointed as the new Undersecretary of Health in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), as announced by Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. With a career spanning three decades dedicated to enhancing affordable and accessible health care, Rosenthal is set to take office on November 17, 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her tenure as executive director at Health Care For All (HCFA) since 2017.
Rosenthal's appointment brings her back into the government fold, where she is expected to address the pressing issues the Massachusetts health care system currently faces. Secretary Mahaniah expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, "At this moment when we’re facing major challenges in our health care system, Amy is the health policy leader and convener we need to drive creative solutions," hailing her deep understanding of access and affordability issues and her strong relationships across the state's health care system, as reported by the Massachusetts official website. In her previous role, Rosenthal has been an advocate for health justice and access, instrumental in driving significant health policy changes and providing Massachusetts residents with resources to improve their health care coverage.
Rosenthal expressed gratitude for her new role, acknowledging the urgency of making health care more affordable and accessible. "I’m grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Mahaniah for the opportunity to step into this role and serve the people of the Commonwealth," she said, according to the Massachusetts official website. Rosenthal's previous achievements include a decade at Community Catalyst where she geared efforts toward the crafting, passing, and defending of the Affordable Care Act, further solidifying her as a dedicated advocate for health care reform. She also brings an academic perspective to her new position, having lectured at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health since 2014.
In addition to her practical experience, Rosenthal is an academic, holding a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University, a master's in public health from Harvard University, and another in public affairs from Indiana University. Her educational background and work experience equip her with a deep reservoir of knowledge to draw upon as she steps into this high-profile role in the EOHHS.
