EBNHC CEO Lopes Appointed to BCBS of Mass Foundation

Manny Lopes

Manny Lopes

By John Lynds

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center CEO Manny Lopes was one of two health care professionals appointed to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Board of Directors. Lopes will join Dr. Thea James, MD, Vice President of Mission and Associate Chief Medical as the two new appointees.

“We are excited to welcome Thea and Manny to our board,” said Phil Johnston, Chairman of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. “Together they bring a depth of experience, diverse viewpoints and unparalleled insights in public and community health to the Foundation’s leadership and governance.”

Lopes was named EBNHC President and Chief Executive Officer in 2012 after decades of serving the health center in a range of executive roles. The Eastie native served on the transition committees for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. Last year, Mr. Lopes was awarded the NAACP President’s Award for his leadership in the health care industry. Under his direction, EBNHC was named to the Boston Globe’s list of Top Places to Work for two years in a row.

“I’m really honored and very excited to become a member of the Board of Directors for the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation,” said Lopes. “The Foundation has done so much to advance health issues in Massachusetts, and the mission at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center is so closely aligned. I hope that I can provide some real value and look forward to joining others on the Board as we help those who need it most.”

Lopes serves on several health care and government boards and committees, including the Boston Public Health Commission, Massachusetts Metropolitan Beaches Commission, National AmeriCorps Community HealthCorps Steering Committee, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Executive Board, and Boston Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. He holds an MBA from Northeastern University.

The mission of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation is to expand access to health care for low-income and vulnerable individuals and families in the Commonwealth. The Foundation was founded in 2001 with an initial endowment from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. It operates separately from the company and is governed by its own Board of Directors.

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