Meet Our Guest: 

Marylou Sudders is the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where she oversees 12 state agencies and the MassHealth program, with a combined budget of over $27 billion and 22,000 public employees. As a social worker, she is committed to the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents and addressing equity and reforming behavioral health care. In March 2020, she was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to lead the state’s COVID-19 Response Command Center and under her leadership, Massachusetts stood up robust in-state testing capacity, a nation-leading contact tracing program, and a nationally acclaimed data reporting system. Currently, Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccine administration.

Key Insights: 

Marylou Sudders discusses her role as social worker who is committed to the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents, with a focus on addressing equity and reforming behavioral health care to improve access to care.

● Leading With a Purpose. Her mother's struggle with depression and subsequent death had a profound impact on MaryLou and led her to want to understand and work on breaking down barriers in mental health and healthcare in general.

● Women Supporting Women. Marylou points out that she was always willing to step up and take on leadership roles, but she sought out mentors, particularly women, who opened doors of opportunity for her.

● Rolling Out the Solution. In March 2020, she was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to lead the state’s COVID-19 Response Command Center and under her leadership, Massachusetts stood up robust in-state testing capacity, a nation-leading contact tracing program, and a nationally acclaimed data reporting system.

This episode is hosted by Sandra Fenwick, Former CEO, Boston Children’s Hospital.

Relevant Links: 

Read about Marylou Sudders

Follow her on Twitter