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Marielle Kress
Executive Director, NYC Care, NYC Health + Hospitals
Professional Background
Marielle Kress is an accomplished leader in the field of healthcare policy and advocacy, boasting a rich and diverse background that spans multiple prestigious organizations. With a solid foundation in healthcare systems and management, she has dedicated her career to improving healthcare access and quality for underserved populations. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of NYC Care at NYC Health + Hospitals, where she plays a pivotal role in expanding access to comprehensive healthcare services for New Yorkers who remain uninsured or underinsured. Her passion for healthcare advocacy underscores her commitment to ensuring equitable health outcomes for all.
Prior to her leadership role at NYC Care, Marielle Kress served as the Director of Federal Advocacy at the American Academy of Pediatrics. In this capacity, she led initiatives aimed at influencing healthcare policies that directly affect children and families, working diligently to promote necessary reforms within the federal government. Her strong advocacy skills and her deep understanding of pediatric healthcare allowed her to effectively communicate the needs of vulnerable populations to policymakers at the highest levels.
In addition to her role at the American Academy of Pediatrics, Marielle also brought her expertise to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she held several strategic positions. As a Senior Advisor to the Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, she provided critical guidance on program operations and federal initiatives, driving improvements that helped ensure children and low-income families received the necessary healthcare services. Marielle's earlier roles within CMS as a Policy Advisor and Senior Associate further solidified her standing as a knowledgeable resource on healthcare financing and policy implementation.
With her background richly woven into various organizations dedicated to healthcare reform, Marielle’s experience also extends to her time as a Program Specialist at the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance, as well as a Program Analyst at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Her career kicked off with a formative role as a Counselor at the Health Insurance Counseling Project, where she directly aided individuals in understanding health insurance programs, laying the groundwork for her future work in healthcare policy.
Education and Achievements
Marielle Kress earned her Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Brandeis University, gaining a strong analytical skill set and a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues. This educational background set her on a path toward her passion for health policy and advocacy. Furthering her education, she completed a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) at Georgetown University. This advanced degree honed her leadership capabilities and deepened her knowledge of policy analysis, equipping her with valuable tools to address the complexities of healthcare systems.
Throughout her career, Marielle has been acknowledged for her exceptional leadership and innovative problem-solving abilities, characteristics that have greatly contributed to the organizations she has been a part of. Her extensive experience in federal healthcare policy, particularly regarding Medicaid and CHIP programs, places her among the frontrunners in advocating for changes that positively impact public health.
Achievements
Marielle’s impressive career is highlighted by significant contributions that have left a lasting impact on health policy. As an expert in the realm of Medicaid and CHIP services, she has successfully navigated complex federal regulations to enhance the systems that support millions of vulnerable Americans. One of her key achievements at the American Academy of Pediatrics involved spearheading advocacy efforts that resulted in new legislation to improve children's access to essential healthcare services across the country.
Her leadership at NYC Care is marked by innovative strategies designed to enroll uninsured individuals into existing healthcare programs while fostering community partnerships that bridge the gap between residents and health services. Through her tireless efforts, she has positioned NYC Care as a model for urban health initiatives, showcasing the significance of accessible healthcare for all.
In summary, Marielle Kress stands out as a leader committed to advancing healthcare equity and advocacy. With a career defined by strategic roles across significant healthcare organizations and a robust educational background, she has proven to be a dedicated champion of health policy reform. Her passion and expertise continue to drive essential conversations surrounding health access and equity, ensuring her work makes a substantive difference in the lives of those she serves.
