Fallon Health names Manny Lopes as next President and CEO
Transformational leader will advance Fallon Health’s goal of enhancing access, quality, and affordability in government markets
Worcester, Mass., January 22, 2024 ― Fallon Health, a nationally recognized not-for-profit health care services organization with a unique focus on improving access, quality, and affordability in government markets, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Manny Lopes as the new President and CEO, which will take effect on July 1, 2024. The selection of Lopes follows an extensive and comprehensive national search that began after the organization announced the planned retirement of President and CEO Richard P. Burke.
The Board has also appointed Chief Financial Officer Todd Bailey to serve as Interim CEO following Burke’s retirement on January 31, 2024, through June 30, 2024.
A seasoned executive with experience across the health care industry, Lopes is currently the Interim CEO of Fenway Health, one of the first health care organizations in the country to specifically address the health care needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to that, he was the Executive Vice President of Public Markets and Government Relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) with responsibilities for the company’s Medicare division, achieving growth through innovation while also improving consumer experience and health outcomes. Before joining BCBSMA, Lopes was the President and CEO of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, a large, nationally recognized primary care provider and insurer that offers a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and a Senior Care Options plan, both core programs in Fallon Health’s portfolio.
“Manny’s extensive and highly relevant experience make him the ideal person to lead Fallon Health at this point in its history and in support of its strategy to predominantly focus on government markets,” said Fallon Health Board Chair Frederick M. Misilo, Esq. “Throughout his career he has developed a deep and empathetic understanding of the health care needs of the communities that Fallon Health serves today and in the future. Manny and Todd are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Fallon Health’s employees, members, and provider, business, and community partners.”
“The Board’s search committee worked diligently to find the right person to lead Fallon Health and continue to move the organization forward in its strategy to be the leading health care services organization committed to government-sponsored health insurance programs,” said Deborah Enos, Fallon Health board member and Chair of the search committee. “Manny has a deep understanding of and commitment to all that Fallon Health stands for – its mission, vision, values, and its strong support of the community. His proven track record and passion for innovation, equity, and improving health outcomes is unparalleled.”
“I am honored and grateful to the Fallon Health Board of Directors for the opportunity to be the next President and CEO of this exceptional organization,” said Lopes. “I look forward to leading the organization and its dedicated, passionate, and caring employees in pursuit of its vision to be the leader in providing exceptional coordinated care and coverage that meets the unique, diverse and changing needs of its members.”
Bailey’s leadership has put Fallon Health in a strong financial position and played a key role in the organization’s strategic decision to focus predominantly on government programs. His 30-plus years of experience in the health insurance and health care fields and his unique vantage point in the business have helped drive strategic and critical decisions in support of members’ care, the workforce, and the community.
Following a highly successful 25-year career at Fallon Health, including the last eight as President and CEO, Burke will retire at the end of the month.
“Under Richard’s distinguished leadership, Fallon Health has successfully pivoted to a predominant focus on government programs, experiencing unprecedented growth in several products and historically strong financial results, and receiving continued exemplary national ratings for quality and service,” said Misilo. “The Board congratulates him on his retirement, thanks him for all he has done to expand the impact of Fallon Health’s mission and wishes Richard well as he embarks on this next journey.”
Melissa Randall
Director, Corporate Communications
Fallon Health
508-368-9345
melissa.randall@fallonhealth.org
About Fallon Health
Fallon Health is a company that cares. We prioritize our members—always—making sure they get the care they need and deserve. Founded in 1977, Fallon Health delivers equitable, high-quality coordinated care and is continually rated among the nation’s top health plans for member experience, service, and clinical quality. Today, guided by our mission of improving health and inspiring hope, we strive to be the leading provider of government-sponsored health insurance programs—including Medicare, Medicaid, and PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).