Governor Healey Appoints Dr. Eric Goralnick as Secretary of Veterans Services
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced the appointment of Eric Goralnick, MD, MS, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS).
Dr. Goralnick brings over two decades of experience as an emergency physician, United States Navy Veteran, health system leader and nationally recognized expert in health care operations, military-civilian health care
“We have made a strong commitment to fixing a broken system and delivering for our veterans,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Dr. Goralnick understands that veterans deserve care that meets them where they are. He brings deep experience as a physician, a leader and a collaborator, and he has spent his career strengthening systems, improving access to care and bringing people together across institutions. He is the right person to build on this progress and continue delivering for veterans and their families across Massachusetts.”
“Veterans and their families deserve a system that works consistently and delivers results,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Dr. Goralnick brings a strong track record of leadership and problem-solving, and he steps into this role at a time when Massachusetts is focused on sustaining progress and expanding support for veterans statewide.”
“I am honored to serve Massachusetts veterans and their families,” said Dr. Eric Goralnick. “As a Navy veteran myself, I understand both the challenges of transition and the incredible value veterans bring to our communities. This role represents an opportunity to ensure every veteran in the Commonwealth receives the support, resources, and recognition they've earned through their service”
As Secretary, Dr. Goralnick will oversee access to and provision of state veterans’ benefits, ensure the continued delivery of high-quality care at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Homes, advance behavioral health and suicide prevention initiatives, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, and strengthen collaboration across state agencies, health care systems and community partners.
An emergency medicine physician and US Navy veteran, Dr. Goralnick has built his career bridging military and civilian healthcare at Mass General Brigham and as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He has served in various leadership roles at the departmental, hospital, and system levels within Brigham and Women's Hospital and Mass General Brigham. As a researcher and mentor, he has authored over 100 publications focused on improving emergency medical care, healthcare system resilience, safety and quality. His work has created pathways for veterans transitioning to careers in civilian healthcare and strengthened partnerships between the Military Health System and academic medical centers. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has completed advanced training in emergency medicine, public health and healthcare management.
Dr. Goralnick will succeed former Secretary Jon Santiago, who led the creation and early transformation of EOVS following the COVID 19 crisis at the Soldiers’ Homes and helped guide the agency through its foundational rebuilding phase.
Dr. Goralnick will assume his role in February. Dr. Andrea Gayle-Bennett will continue to serve as Interim Secretary.
Statements of Support
Anne Klibanski, MD, President and CEO of Mass General Brigham:
“Dr. Goralnick has played a critical role in strengthening how we care for patients at Mass General Brigham with complex medical and behavioral health needs, ensuring they receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate care. His leadership and clinical perspective will be instrumental in supporting veterans and their families across Massachusetts, helping advance important services, resources, and care.”
Admiral Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.), Former Deputy Commander, United States Special Operations Command, Board Director, Invisible Wounds Foundation:
I have known Eric Goralnick for over 25 years, and his dedication to veterans and military families has been unwavering. From his service as a Surface Warfare Officer to his leadership at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Eric has consistently bridged military and civilian healthcare systems to improve care for our nation's military, veterans and families. He will continue to serve veterans with compassion, competence and commitment.”
Tommy Lyons, Chair, Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea:
“It’s important that our veterans have a strong advocate in leadership who is committed to improving access to health care, benefits, and services they’ve earned through their service. I believe Eric Goralnick will be that leader.”
Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base:
“Dr. Eric Goralnick brings exactly the kind of leadership Veterans need in this moment. As a Naval Academy Graduate, Veteran, and a nationally respected leader in emergency medicine, he understands both the realities of military service and the urgency of delivering high-quality, accessible care to veterans and their families. Dr. Goralnick established the Military Veterans Initiative at the MGB and provided critical support to Home Base as a Senior Advisor. Through our work at Home Base, we see every day how critical strong partnerships between health systems, government, and veteran organizations are to supporting service members and their families, and Dr. Goralnick has built his career around strengthening those connections. Massachusetts is fortunate to have someone of his experience and commitment stepping into this role.”
Ryan Callahan, EVP of Digital Innovation, Blue Star Families:
“I've known Eric Goralnick for several years since we were classmates in the George W. Bush Institute's Veterans Leadership Program, where we built a national network of veteran service organization leaders. Eric's ability to unite diverse stakeholders around a common mission, combined with his naval service and medical leadership, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Massachusetts' veteran community. The collaborative skills he demonstrated building bridges across the veteran service ecosystem will serve the Commonwealth's veterans exceptionally well.”
沒有留言:
發佈留言