NICHQ’s Charlie Homer Named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Services Policy in the US Department of Health & Human Services

NICHQ is pleased to announce that Charlie Homer, MD, MPH, NICHQ’s co-founder and long-standing president and CEO, has been appointed to the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Services Policy in the Office of The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) of the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), effective April 6.  In his new role, Homer will oversee policy research, evaluation and coordination across HHS related to poverty and vulnerable populations.

Homer had announced his intent to step down from his current position at NICHQ last fall, at which time the NICHQ Board of Directors initiated a national search for a new president and CEO. That process is expected to be completed within the next few months. 

“We are thrilled about this opportunity for Charlie and for NICHQ,” said NICHQ’s Board Chair, Fay Donohue. “His appointment to this important government post underscores his vast experience and boundless passion to improve the lives of children and families. At the same time, it is a testament to the enormous contributions NICHQ has made under his leadership.”

 “Charlie has had an immeasurable impact on countless patients, parents and providers,” said NICHQ Chief Health Officer Shikha Anand, MD, MPH. “From NICHQ’s original focus on improving clinical quality for children with special healthcare needs to its current broader emphasis on the social conditions that contribute to childhood obesity, infant mortality and other public health challenges, Charlie has left a lasting legacy of improving the wellbeing of vulnerable populations.”

Current NICHQ board member, Scott O’Gorman, will serve as NICHQ’s interim president and CEO until Homer’s replacement is selected. O’Gorman most recently served as president of Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan (BMCHP), a managed care organization committed to ensuring quality health coverage and services for underserved populations.

“We are all immensely grateful to Charlie for helping form NICHQ and for leading the organization for the past 15 years,” said O’Gorman. “Under his vision and leadership, NICHQ has established a strong reputation and track record. The organization is well positioned for future growth and success on the solid foundation Charlie has built.”