The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute today announced the election of John Leyman as the new chair of its Board of Directors. Leyman succeeds Board Chair Suzanne Miller, who is a founder of the Quality Institute and a professor and translational researcher in oncology and mental health at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Leyman, a long-standing partner of the Quality Institute, has played a vital role in advancing the organization’s initiatives, including supporting and modernizing New Jersey’s health insurance markets including Medicaid, Cover NJ (individual coverage), and employer sponsored coverage. Leyman also worked on the Quality Institute’s report on ways to better support Comprehensive Primary Care in New Jersey.
“John’s expertise from working in both the legislative and executive branches of government, along with his work within payer and provider organizations, gives him a full view on health care issues,” Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO of the Quality Institute said. “He will be an ideal chair.”
For a decade, Leyman was director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Horizon BCBSNJ. He currently serves as director of State Government Affairs for DaVita Kidney Care, where he oversees DaVita’s public policy, legislative, and regulatory activities across 13 northeastern states and DC. He also is an Associate Clinical Professor at the School of Planning and Public Policy at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University.
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to further the work of the Quality Institute,” Leyman said. “It is an extraordinary time in health care. More than ever, our work in partnership with so many policymakers and stakeholders makes a truly meaningful difference for New Jersey.”
Other new board officers include:
- Gary Mann, founder and CEO of Jasfel Analytics, has been named vice chair. Mann also chairs the New Jersey African American Chamber of Commerce.
- Andrea Martinez-Mejia is now board secretary. Martinez-Mejia is executive director of the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, one of the four Regional Health Hubs in New Jersey.
- Donald Bryan, the former acting commissioner of NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, was reelected Treasurer.
“I am thankful to all our board members who generously volunteer their time and expertise as we work together to improve health care for everyone,” Schwimmer said.
