Families USA has selected Frederick Isasi, a director at the bipartisan National Governors Association, to serve as its new executive director.
Isasi succeeds Ron Pollack, who announced last May he would step down from the consumer advocacy group he co-founded 36 years ago. Pollack and Isasi will begin a one-month transition starting Feb. 27.
Isasi was selected by Families USA's board after conducting a six-month nationwide search. Families USA works to improve healthcare access across the country. The organization has supported the Affordable Care Act, the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid expansion.
In his role at the National Governors Association, Isasi oversees work related to healthcare delivery, Medicaid reform, data and analytics, public health issues, prescription drug abuse and behavioral health.
Isasi previously served as vice president of health policy at the Advisory Board
Co., a Washington D.C.-based healthcare consulting firm. He previously was a senior legislative counsel on healthcare for former U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.). He focused on strengthening insurance market reform, maintaining affordability of health insurance on the exchanges, Medicaid expansion and other reforms.
“Mr. Isasi has the background and experience needed for today's healthcare fights,” Pollack said. “He has the vision and leadership skills that can make a significant, positive difference—not just during the current fight to protect historic health coverage gains, but also future efforts to transform America's healthcare system.”
Pollack will take on the role of chairman emeritus at Families USA. During his tenure, Pollack played a pivotal role in almost every piece of healthcare legislation. The Affordable Care Act, the Children's Health Insurance Program and its expansion were all priorities for Families USA.