Who: Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, 61
Stepping down as: CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation after nearly 14 years as head of the nation's largest philanthropic organization dedicated to health and healthcare issues. She plans to stay on until a successor is chosen.
Background: Lavizzo-Mourey was the first woman and African-American to lead the RWJF. A geriatrics specialist, she served as deputy administrator of what is now the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. She also worked on the White House Health Care Reform Task Force, co-chairing the working group on quality.
Fighting obesity: A significant focus during her tenure was curbing the national obesity rate among children. The organization committed $1 billion to research, communications campaigns and public policy. “Our nation really is making progress,” she said.
Healthier communities: Lavizzo-Mourey said the organization will continue to advocate for communities and healthy living initiatives after her departure. She began RWJF's Commission to Build a Better America, which studies social factors that influence health. “Health systems are looking not only within their own walls, but also at what happens in the communities … so they can bridge the plan of care from the hospital to where people live, learn and work.”
