I am thrilled to share the news that I am the new Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grateful for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of Secretary Burwell — truly an extraordinary person.
Full post (originally appeared on HHS.gov):
When I left the Pew Research Center to advise companies and organizations that share my vision for health care, I thought life couldn’t get better. First and foremost, it has been an honor to be the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Every day I spent at the Foundation was a good one, particularly the opportunity to contribute to the Data for Health initiative and developing ideas for expanding the public conversation about the Foundation’s work. Working with organizations like the Collaborative Chronic Care Network opened my eyes to the possibility of transforming care delivery by including people living with inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis on their innovation teams. I’ve also traveled the country over the last year, speaking to and learning from a wide range of health care and business leaders. I thought nothing could tempt me to turn away from this smorgasbord I was sampling. But when I was asked to consider the role of Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to serve under the leadership of Secretary Burwell, I was drawn by the possibilities:
- To support and expand the data liberacion work that Todd Park, the first CTO of HHS, sparked. I’m a health data geek from way back and think we’ve only just begun to harness its power. The Health Datapalooza will kick off on May 31 and I can’t wait to reconnect with old and new friends.
- To nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that Bryan Sivak and his IDEA Lab team have ignited across all 11 HHS operating divisions. Their participatory approach to solving problems matches my own methods. We have so much to learn from our colleagues all across the country, as well as from the real health care delivery experts – the citizens we serve.
- To shine a spotlight on the role that citizens play in strengthening the health of our country. Technology’s true impact is only just now emerging in this area. The internet gives us greater access to information, yes, but even more importantly, it gives us access to each other.
The final straw was meeting Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, the Acting Deputy Secretary of HHS. Her intensity and commitment to service matches that of two other clinician-leaders I have had the honor to work with: Rebecca Rimel, RN, MBA, the president and CEO of the Pew Charitable Trusts, and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, MBA, the president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. One morning a few weeks ago I went for an early-morning run. I thought about the thousands of people who have shared their stories with me over the last 15 years, hoping that I could find a way to channel their ingenuity, humanity, and hard-won experience to heal health care. Not to be too metaphysical, but I felt all of them with me at that moment. I knew then that I would serve them by taking on this role if it was offered to me. So, when the call came, I accepted the job. I can’t wait to get started. And I’m counting on all of you to help! Thank you in advance. We are going to do great things.
Featured image: Freedom Classic 2015 by Zach Frailey.
Mike Lee says
Congratulations!
Sally Okun says
What amazing news! So thrilled for you and for the country! Looking forward to see you at Health Datapalooza next week.
Cheers,
Sally
Alex Fair says
Fantastic! Couldn’t happen to a more awesome person!
Perry Gee says
Wow Susannah, congratulations! What a perfect person for the position.
Howard Rosen says
Outstanding Susannah! Congratulations … what a great “win” for HHS to have you onboard
Carole Lannon says
What great news! Congratulations and how wonderful for U.S./us.
e-Patient Dave says
This wins my prize as the biggest government-based Mazel Tov in the history of the e-patient movement! Bringing heart and soul to health IT??? From someone who knows how people ACTUALLY use the internet?? How great is this??
Gary Levin says
Exactly, my thoughts as well. Good luck to her. They are lucky to get her.
Natasha Gajewski says
Wonderful news and congrats to HHS for the big win!!
Britt Johnson says
I am beyond thrilled – as I know the care and dedication you put into everything you do, all the human stories you carry with you! Congrats, my friend 🙂 And congrats to the country!! WHOA!
e-Patient Dave says
My post about the news on e-patients.net: http://e-patients.net/archives/2015/05/breaking-susannah-fox-is-hhss-new-chief-technical-officer.html
Deborah Greenwood says
Congratulations Susannah! What a great opportunity for you. Looking forward to your vision and changes!
Vera Rulon says
Awesome!!! What e-Patient Dave said… 🙂
Marcia Zorn says
Great news!
Matthew holt says
congrats. An inspirational choice.
Hugo Campos says
This is wonderful, wonderful news. I am thrilled! Congratulations to Susannah and to HHS for a superb choice. Wishing Susannah great success in the new position. Best news of the year!
Kristin Milburn says
Fantastic news! Congratulations!
Larry Chu says
Congratulations Susannah! Amazing news 🙂
Dave Vockell says
Spectacular. Fight To Win!
Elias Anaissie says
Congratulations. Great choice by HHS. e-patients will finally thrive.
Lynda Mitchell says
Congratulations, Susannah! What a wonderful opportunity for you. HHS is lucky to have you!
Amy Gleason says
Congratulations! I am so very excited for you and for all of us in the U.S. who need your leadership! Way to go!!
Fred Muench says
Susannah – This makes me, patients, people, providers, animals, aliens, random life forms yet to be identified and other all very happy and hopeful for the health of the world. Congratulations to you and us. F
Terri says
This is amazing news! Congratulations. So well deserved:) Terri
Robin Martinez says
This is fantastic news for every empowered health consumer and caregiver. Congratulations!
Barbara H Partee says
Congratulations from an old friend and Girl Scout buddy of your dear mother!! That’s very exciting, and I share your parents’ pride in you!!
Laura Kolaczkowski says
this is wonderful news and I know you will continue to nurture all of our needs – congratulations!
Bill Reid says
Wow! Excellent news! Can’t wait to hear more.
Ola Cornelius says
The news traveled all the way to Sweden, and I look forward to the all the good things that this will bring.
Congrats Susannah 🙂
Istvan Camargo says
What wonderful news! America shows to the world its authentic concern about the empowerment of their citizens in health issues & tech trends. That’s my simple opinion about this well deserved designation. Tom Ferguson is certainly proud 🙂 Congratulations!
Susannah Fox says
Thank you. I’m dedicating my service to his memory and in honor of other patient advocates who have gone before their time.
Joe Kvedar says
This is great news. congrats!
Trisha Torrey says
Susannah – nothing I love more than win-win-win and I’m thrilled to hear about this one. You win a great new position where you can made a huge difference in the life of millions. HHS wins with a true leader who will put her heart and soul into her work. Most importantly to me, patients and their caregivers win knowing YOU are facilitating improved care.
Can’t wait to see what your tenure at HHS brings!
Sue Woods says
Best news of 2015! That is so exciting, so brave, so innovative, so wonderful. Kudos, Federal Partner 🙂 !!!
Lenora Johnson says
Great news! So excited for HHS and for Susannah! Welcome aboard.
Danny says
Congrats Susannah~!
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
Congratulations! Wonderful that you’ll be able to bring all your insights to HHS.
Mary Aviles says
Amazing news. Congratulations. Rooting for your success!!!
Susannah Fox says
Thank you all so, so much for the love & support & good wishes!! Be sure to follow @HHSIDEALab for updates 🙂
Ineke Bonner says
Congratulations Suzanna
Good luck in your future job
Lawrence Swiader says
Such wonderful news and an outstanding choice! HHS is lucky to have you (actually, we all are). I can’t wait to see what you’ll do. Best of luck to you and congratulations!
Megan Ranney says
Most exciting news *ever*. Congrats Susannah! Look forward to seeing what this will bring -> healthcare innovation, here we come! 🙂
Nahum Gershon says
Susannah, congratulations! Great news for eHealth!! For HHS too!!
Francisco Grajales says
Congratulations Susannah I cant wait to see the great work that will come from your new role!