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Anna Maria Siega-Riz, dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, has been appointed to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation board of directors, which comprises representatives from health and human services, business, government and higher education.

Established in 2001 with an initial endowment from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS), the foundation’s mission is to ensure equitable access to health care for all those in the commonwealth who are economically, racially, culturally or socially marginalized. The foundation operates separately from the company and is governed by its own board of directors. Their leadership and expertise are an asset to the foundation and the community organizations with which it partners. 

“I am honored to join the BCBS Foundation board and to contribute to its vital mission of advancing health equity,” Siega-Riz said. “Ensuring that all individuals – regardless of economic, racial, cultural or social barriers – have access to quality health care is a critical priority of public health. I look forward to working alongside fellow board members to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for communities across the commonwealth.”

At UMass Amherst, Siega-Riz’s research focuses on maternal and child health, including nutrition and health outcomes during critical early-life periods. She was appointed dean of SPHHS in August 2019 and guided the school through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was reappointed for a five-year term in September 2024.

Sarah Iselin, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, was also named a new appointee to the board, while Dr. Thomas H. Lee, a primary care physician and cardiologist, was appointed board chair.

“Ms. Iselin and Dean Siega-Riz bring extraordinary expertise and insight to the Foundation,” Lee said. “Their leadership in health policy and public health reflects a deep commitment to creating more equitable communities. As the new chair of the board, I look forward to the perspectives they will bring as we work to address disparities and improve access to health care across the Commonwealth.”

More information on the foundation and its board can be found at www.bluecrossmafoundation.org.