Gov. Kate Brown has promoted her deputy health policy advisor following the retirement of her top health policy official.
Brown said on Tuesday that the appointment of Linda Roman as health policy advisor was effective immediately. Roman began as deputy health policy advisor in the governor’s office in 2018 and later became deputy legislative director.
She will serve on the governor’s pandemic response team and oversee policy and budget issues, the Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Health Policy Board and act as a liaison for the governor with hospitals and other providers, public health and the Legislature.
“Linda’s approach focuses on health equity and accessibility, and she brings an unparalleled passion for serving all Oregonians,” Brown said in a statement. “Especially during this pandemic -- which is disproportionately impacting Black, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color -- Linda’s experience and collaborative nature will help us tackle complex health issues head on and help us achieve our vision of quality, affordable health care for all Oregonians, regardless of who they are or where they live.”
Roman’s base annual salary is $118,188. Her age wasn't available.
Roman replaced Tina Edlund, who’s retiring after serving in various high-profile health care advisor roles. Prior to becoming Brown’s senior health policy advisor in 2018, Edlund worked at the Oregon Health Authority, including on the coordinated care model and even served as an interim director.
The appointment of Roman reflects Brown’s new focus on health equity issues. Roman has worked with the Oregon Latino Health Coalition and the Oregon Health Equity Alliance. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Portland State University.
Edlund will stay on part-time for a few months as an advisor to help Brown with pandemic issues.
In addition, Jackie Yerby, previously the deputy health policy advisor, will be the policy advisor for health care licensing and behavioral health, including the governor’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council.
You can reach Ben Botkin at [email protected] or via Twitter @BenBotkin1.
The public employee scam on taxpayers continues.