NESCSO Names Executive Director

Brenda Harvey, Maine DHHS Commissioner, starts January 6

SHREWSBURY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New England States Consortium Systems Organization (NESCSO) Board of Directors announced that Brenda Harvey will join the organization January 6 as its Executive Director. Harvey is currently the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and will leave this post on January 5.

“I am excited about this new venture and look forward to strengthening NESCSO’s ability to bring real value to the New England health and human service agencies”

NESCSO is a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Its mission is to foster communication and collaboration among the New England States through information sharing and joint projects, with the goal of maximizing policy, program and cost effectiveness of Medicaid programs and other human services.

“I am excited about this new venture and look forward to strengthening NESCSO’s ability to bring real value to the New England health and human service agencies,” Harvey said. “These difficult economic times and the many challenges and opportunities that come with health reform position NESCSO to be a strong resource.”

Harvey served as Commissioner for five years, leading the merger of two state agencies to form the Department of Health and Human Services. As a part of her diverse duties, Harvey managed extensive interactions with legislative leadership and committees, Maine’s Congressional delegation and federal partners at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Harvey’s selection as Commissioner capped a lengthy career in state government, which included 18 months as a DHHS Deputy Commissioner. She has many years of service in the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, where she served as Acting Commissioner.

A graduate of the University of Maine who earned her Master’s Degree at the University of Southern Maine, Harvey also graduated Leadership Maine and was a member of the Maine Management Institute faculty.

Harvey received many honors during her career, including selection to the University of Southern Maine Wall Of Fame. She’s also earned the state of Maine’s highest distinction for a manager in government, the William Twarog Award.