Posted on February 19, 2025 View the blog
Chicago, IL – Feburary 12, 2025 The Cook County Health Foundation (CCHF) is proud to announce the appointment of Verlon Johnson, MPA, as its new Chair. With an extensive background in health care policy, strategy, and administration, Ms. Johnson brings invaluable expertise to the Foundation’s mission of advancing equitable health care access and supporting the critical work of Cook County Health.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Cook County Health Foundation and support its vital mission of expanding equitable access to care.” Ms. Johnson. “Cook County Health has long been a lifeline for communities in need, and I look forward to working with the Foundation, our partners, and supporters to strengthen its impact and ensure high-quality, compassionate care for all.”
Ms. Johnson currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Acentra Health, a Virginia-based health information technology firm that partners with state, federal, and commercial agencies to design and deploy technology-driven solutions and services that improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.”
In addition to her leadership at Acentra Health, Ms. Johnson was appointed Chair of the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), where she plays a key role in shaping the Commission’s health policy work addressing low-income populations. She was also reappointed to a second consecutive three-year term as a MACPAC commissioner, underscoring her ongoing commitment to improving health care access and affordability.
Ms. Johnson earned a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis on health care policy and administration from Texas Tech University. Her deep experience in public health, strategic planning, and health policy positions her as a transformative leader for the Cook County Health Foundation.
“We are honored to welcome Verlon Johnson as our new Chair,” said Sylvia Zaldivar, Executive Director of the Cook County Health Foundation. “Her leadership and vision will be instrumental in advancing our efforts to support Cook County Health and ensure that all communities have access to high-quality, compassionate care.”
Ms. Johnson succeeds Joseph Flannagan who served with distinction and helped drive key initiatives in support of the Foundation’s mission.
For more information about the Cook County Health Foundation and its initiatives, please visit cchealthfoundation.org.
About Cook County Health Foundation
The Cook County Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity and supporting the vital services provided by Cook County Health. Through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement, the Foundation helps expand access to quality health care for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.
