Here’s a message I’m circulating around town today:
I’m writing to let you know that I have informed Health Care For All’s Board of Directors of my intention to resign my position as Executive Director effective August 1 of this year.
I’m doing this for no reason other than a belief that change is in the best interest of the organization and me. By August, I will have served as ED for over five years. Most of the ideas and inspirations that brought me here have been achieved or are well underway. It seems a good time for a new leader to take over and chart a new course of action for this wonderful and dynamic organization’s next phase, as well as a new legislative agenda for 2009-10.
For me, I turn 55 in May and it seems like a good time to figure out what I would like to do with the remainder of my professional career. No, I don’t have another position at this point – I may even do some consulting for a bit until I figure out the best opportunity. As I hope you know, I’ve given 100 percent every day I’ve been here – and will continue to do so until my final day.
Leaving this way permits HCFA to do a thorough, careful job figuring out who HCFA’s new leader should be. The last time HCFA did this, all were surprised by the high caliber of individuals who put their names forward for consideration. This time, I know we’ll do even better.
I want to emphasize this is a deeply personal decision about what’s best for HCFA and me. I have boundless respect and admiration for everyone who works here. I have enormous gratitude and respect for our amazing array of partners, funders, and friends. This is an incredible organization and team, and every day here has been a great challenge and joy.
I’m not going anywhere for a bit. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know of the change coming and to thank you for all your support and assistance over the past five years.
I’ll be seeing you around…
With appreciation,
John McDonough
John,
I’ve never met you in person, but I remember the first time I heard you speak about health care reform. As an advocate for single-payer trying to advocate for the medically underserved, I can’t express to you how relieved I was to finally hear a person finally offer a thoughtful perspective on how the Chapter 58 reforms would move us toward that vision. I hope that part of your consulting will be to continue with this blog; it’ll be a significant disruption to my public policy education otherwise.
Thanks again
John: you have been an influential leader in healthcare for a long time – I doubt we will be losing your leadership wherever you may go. At least I hope we don’t. There is nothing easy about trying to achieve near universal healthcare coverage in MA and there is nothing simple about c. 58. But you helped to move people towards compromise policy postions without compromising the principles of those you represent. Without compromises c.58 would have never been enacted. Well done.
John,
Your quote – “This is an incredible organization and team…”.
Isn’t the most incredible part of it, in your support of the Chapter 58 individual mandate, that you are “not competent” (your words) in knowing what the law means?
We’re not sure if this position was a volunteer one, but suffice to say the greenwashing job done by HCFA was ultimately successful, if the numbers of CC sign-ups is any indication.
And yes, despite cost overruns inherent in all those bottom-of-the-food-chain newly ‘insured’, it looks like the ‘health’ insurance industry’s gravy train will be able to slide on the tracks of the taxpayers/working class for at least a couple of years more.
Therefore, GOOD JOB!
And as regards your decision to depart this position, and within the context of those who have previously departed their posts in their respective venues, I offer the following commentary:
Hmmm, this sounds interesting – sort of like Trent Lott’s nebulous utterance (as well as George Tenet): “I want to spend more time with my family.” Translation: I’m hoping for one or more of the following: a) a juicy lobbyist position, b) a book deal – also juicy, c) a lucrative consultant-for-the-insuro/medicalocracy position (see ‘a’), or a juicy position in the insuro/medicalocracy that I formerly oversaw/regulated/shilled for….
In any event, godspeed – and may you find HONEST work!!
- URL
Hi John,
I am sure that all will miss you – you’ve done a tremendous job at HCFA and I greatly enjoyed working with you. Best of luck in wherever life takes you next!
Jin
A tough and thoughtful decision, John, I am sure. But your superb tenure there will leave HCFA a stronger and more influential organization that will attract another high quality person to be its next Executive Director.