Foundations and Academic Journey
Born in 1978 in San Antonio, Texas, She grew up in a bilingual home where both education and healthcare played central roles. With a mother working as a nurse and a father as a science educator, she was introduced to the value of service and systemic approaches to health challenges at an early age
She attended Brown University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Biology in 2000 Her undergraduate focus was on urban health disparities and social determinants of health While at Brown, she led a neighborhood wellness program and researched maternal health and housing insecurity experiences that shaped her enduring dedication to health equity.
Elena earned a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2005. Her capstone project, which focused on Medicaid reform, was recognized by Harvard’s Center for Health Policy Innovation, highlighting her growing expertise in healthcare policy and reform.
Early Career and Global Health Exposure
Between 2000 and 2003, Elena worked as a Health Policy Analyst at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services She supported Medicaid expansion efforts and developed community health needs assessments, contributing to programs that improved preventive care for underserved women
During her MPH studies, Elena interned at the World Health Organization in Geneva. Her research supported revisions to maternal health frameworks in Latin America, providing her with a valuable international perspective on health systems.
Professional Growth in Public Health Operations
After graduate school, Elena joined Boston HealthNet as Director of Program Development. From 2005 to 2010, she launched mobile healthcare units and mental health services targeting youth populations In 2008, she was promoted to
Associate COO, where she oversaw partnerships with Boston Medical Center and expanded integrated care models across multiple clinics.
In 2010, Elena became Vice President of Strategy and Operations at the Commonwealth Center for Public Health Innovation. She led efforts to expand data-sharing initiatives, maternal health programs, and responses to the opioid crisis. Under her guidance, the center secured significant funding from the CDC and NIH and piloted predictive emergency response tools.
Leadership at Meridian Public Health Group
Since 2017, Elena has served as COO of Meridian Public Health Group. She manages a workforce of 300 across four states and directs programs in epidemiology, workforce training, and digital health integration.
Among her key achievements are launching a multilingual vaccine outreach and tracking system during the COVID-19 pandemic, founding the “Health for All” Fellowship to prepare underrepresented youth for careers in public health, and leading an electronic health record modernization project that increased data reporting speeds by 40%
Leadership Philosophy and Organizational Culture
Elena is recognized for a leadership style that strikes a balance between strategic clarity and inclusiveness. She founded Meridian’s Equity and Belonging Council to guide equitable hiring, leadership development, and organizational culture.
She actively mentors rising public health professionals, encouraging them to maintain a strong commitment to equity alongside operational excellence
Board Roles and Public Engagement
Elena serves on advisory boards, including the Massachusetts Public Health Association, Boston University School of Public Health, and the National Forum on Community Health Systems. She regularly presents at national conferences
such as the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Aspen Health Forum.
Her recent speaking topics focus on rebuilding public trust, scaling community-driven innovation, and embedding equity as a core organizational principle
Awards and Recognition
Her work has earned her several honors:
Public Health Executive of the Year, Northeast Health Leadership Council (2021)
Latina Health Alliance’s 50 Most Influential in Health (2020)
Community Health Innovator Award, Boston Foundation (2018)
Personal Life and Lifelong Learning
Outside her professional career, Elena enjoys hiking, cooking, and mentoring students in Boston public schools. She lives in Jamaica Plain with her husband, Carlos, and their children, Sofia and Diego.
She continues to pursue professional development through certifications in Behavioral Design and Human-Centered Systems, believing that transformative change emerges where empathy and operational rigor intersect
Vision for Public Health’s Future
She envisions a public health system that is resilient, community-led, and data-informed. Through her leadership and mentorship, she strives to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to care and dignity.
Her ongoing dedication to public health innovation and inclusivity shapes a healthier and more just future for diverse communities. Elena Rosario remains a vital force driving positive transformation in public health.
