On behalf of the Fenway Health Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce the selection of Ellen LaPointe, an experienced and dynamic leader, as our next Chief Executive Officer. The Board and the Search Committee are so impressed with Ellen’s nearly three decades of professional experience working tirelessly on the issues that we all care about so deeply here at Fenway Health.
Ellen brings to the role tremendous experience in the nonprofit and public health sectors, working in social justice, research, LGBTQIA+/HIV activism and advocacy, health policy, law, and equity. Her passion for and record of achievement in these issues are a perfect match for Fenway’s mission. We are incredibly fortunate that she will lead us at this critical time in the organization’s history.
In her current role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern California Grantmakers in San Francisco, and in all of her experience, the Search Committee and the Board were most struck by Ellen’s track record of thoughtful, courageous, collaborative leadership. As a New England native and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Ellen was already familiar with Fenway’s reputation locally and nationally in groundbreaking health care and research. She impressed the Search Committee with her knowledge about the critical issues facing Fenway Health today and about broader issues related to LGBTQIA+ health, social justice, equity, HIV/AIDS research and care. Ellen is ready to address those challenges with energy, insight, and determination.
We are confident that Ellen’s charismatic style and commitment to this work will serve her well in leading our staff and other stakeholders to new levels of innovation and excellence here at Fenway Health. You can learn more about Ellen’s personal and professional background in the press release announcing her selection.
Ellen will assume the role on March 9, 2020. Until then, we will continue to rely on the outstanding leadership provided by our Acting CEO, Jane Powers, who will work closely with Ellen to ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to introducing Ellen to the Fenway community – particularly our remarkable, dedicated staff – so that she can hear your ideas, concerns, questions, and hopes for the future of Fenway Health.
Thank you for your patience and support throughout this critical search process.
With gratitude,
Jonathan Matsui
Chair, Board of Directors