Worcester, Mass., March 4, 2016 ― Fallon Health’s Board of Directors today named Richard Burke as President and Chief Executive Officer of the nationally recognized not-for-profit health care organization.

“Richard has demonstrated exemplary leadership over the years, and the Board has been especially impressed with how he has led the larger organization as interim President and CEO,” said David W. Hillis, Chairman of Fallon’s Board of Directors. “He acted swiftly and intelligently on opportunities and challenges, worked tirelessly to keep the organization focused and moving forward, and became even more engaged in Worcester, Lowell, Springfield and other key communities that Fallon serves.”

“This is a great honor. I am ready and determined to lead the organization to greater growth. Our products and services are among the best in the business, and our employees are committed to providing superior service to our members, the medical community, employers, brokers and our communities,” said Burke.

Burke was named interim President and CEO in September, 2015 following the retirement of W. Patrick Hughes. Since joining Fallon Health in 1998, Burke has demonstrated a strong commitment to both Fallon and to the communities it serves. Burke has held senior management roles overseeing Fallon’s government programs and has strong relationships in both local and federal government.

Prior to his current role, Burke held the position of President of Senior Care Services and Government Programs. His responsibilities included overseeing Fallon’s government product lines serving both aging populations and high-risk populations of all ages, including Fallon Senior Plan™ (Medicare Advantage), Summit ElderCare (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), NaviCare (Special Needs Plan/Senior Care Options), Fallon Health Weinberg (a joint venture in New York State) and Home Staff SM, LLC (a private duty home health agency). Under his leadership, Fallon Senior Plan and NaviCare had the largest statewide expansion in the company’s history and Summit ElderCare grew to seven locations, achieving a membership milestone of 1,000 participants. Additionally, Burke oversaw all regulatory, privacy and compliance matters for the organization as its Chief Compliance Officer.

Burke has served on numerous boards including the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging where he was Board President from 2009 to 2011. He has also served on the boards of Fitchburg State University, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and the Worcester Economic Club.  Burke is currently a board member of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Chairman in 2012 and 2013.

A summa cum laude graduate of Assumption College, Burke holds a master’s degree in political science from Boston College and a master’s in business administration from the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University.