Alumna to Lead Boston Health Department.
Monica Valdes Lupi (’99) has been appointed executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC).
Valdes Lupi brings more than 20 years of experience in public administration and public health to the role. As senior health policy manager and later chief of staff at BPHC, Valdes Lupi served on the agency’s task force to address racial and ethnic disparities, and oversaw institutional initiatives and public health reform policies.
She went on to serve as chief of staff and deputy commissioner in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is currently the chief program officer for health systems transformation at the national nonprofit Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
“I have no doubt that her local, state, and national experience will enable her to solve the most pressing public health challenges facing our city,” Mayor Walsh said in a statement after approving the appointment.
In the statement, Valdes Lupi noted three key areas she will focus on in her new role: treatment and prevention of prescription drug abuse; strengthening partnerships between public health and healthcare delivery; and advancing health equity.
The Boston Public Health Commission is the country’s oldest health department. The independent public agency is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the mayor.