Leading with Purpose

<p><i><strong>Meet Our Guest: </strong></i></p><p>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.</p><p><i><strong>Key Insights: </strong></i></p><p>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.</p><p>● <strong>Leading With a Purpose. </strong>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.</p><p>● <strong>Women Supporting Women. </strong>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.</p><p>● <strong>Rolling Out the Solution.</strong> 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.</p><p>This episode is hosted by Sandra Fenwick, Former CEO, Boston Children’s Hospital.</p><p><i><strong>Relevant Links: </strong></i></p><p><a href="http