Distinguished Government Leader Recognized for Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion in Research and Geriatric Care; the Foundation Also Announced Election of Dr. John R. Mach, Jr., as Board Chair

New York, NY (June 9, 2022) - The trustees of The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) announced Marie A. Bernard, MD, as this year’s recipient of The John A. Hartford Foundation Trustees Award for her many years’ dedication to improving the lives of older adults through research, education, and clinical practice improvement. The trustees also elected John R. Mach, Jr., MD, as board chair, while celebrating outgoing Chair Margaret L. Wolff, who will continue as a trustee.

Dr. Bernard is recognized for her work enhancing diversity in the sciences, especially in her current role as Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). At NIH, she ensures that the full range of workforce talent is accessed to promote scientific creativity and innovation. She also co-leads NIH’s UNITE initiative to end structural racism.

“It is a great honor to give our Trustees Award to such an established champion of older adults,” said Ms. Wolff. “Dr. Bernard’s work to address the lack of diversity within the scientific workforce and ensure representation in clinical research has supported tremendous advances toward a more just and equitable health care system.”

Previously, Dr. Bernard was the deputy director and senior geriatrician of the National Institute on Aging (NIA). In that role, she served as the principal advisor to the NIA director and led a broad range of activities dedicated to improving the lives of older adults, including co-chairing two Healthy People 2020/2030 objectives related to care of older adults and dementia. Additionally, she spearheaded NIH diversity efforts as co-lead of the NIH-wide Inclusion Governance Committee, which promotes diversity in clinical trials, and oversaw the NIA Office of Special Populations focusing on health disparities research and training for NIA-affiliated scientists from diverse backgrounds. She also led the Women of Color Committee of the NIH-wide Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers. Prior to joining NIH, she was the endowed professor and founding Chair of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

“Dr. Bernard has long been admired by The John A. Hartford Foundation, having been named to the first cohort of JAHF Senior Leadership Scholars, chosen for their commitment to shaping the future of medicine and enhancing the health of older adults,” said Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, president of JAHF. “She is ensuring diverse representation in the research workforce, addressing critical issues in geriatric care—especially Alzheimer’s disease—and has been a stellar educator and mentor to countless health care professionals. She is a true champion of older adults from all backgrounds.”

Dr. Bernard is the recipient of many awards, including from the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education and the Gerontological Society of America, along with receiving the NIH Director’s Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Dr. Bernard has lectured and published widely in areas of nutrition and function in older adults, with particular focus on underrepresented minority populations.

“I am pleased to be recognized by The John A. Hartford Foundation,” said Dr. Bernard. “I hope my work inspires others to continue working to improve the lives of older adults and increase diversity throughout the biomedical research enterprise.”

Dr. Bernard received her bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College and her medical degree from The University of Pennsylvania. She trained in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital, where she served as chief resident.

The JAHF Board of Trustees additionally elected new leadership during its annual meeting held June 8-9, 2022, announcing Dr. Mach as the new chair. He is currently principal of Mach Health Care Strategies and was previously chief medical officer of Medica, a non-profit health plan covering 12 states. Dr. Mach is an internal medicine physician with expertise in geriatrics, complex care management, managed care, home care and other related areas. He succeeds Ms. Wolff, who served as chair from 2015 to 2022, trustee since 2004, and member or leader of every board committee. She also led the search committee that selected Dr. Fulmer as the current JAHF president.

“The board is grateful for Peggy’s outstanding leadership, and I join my fellow trustees in thanking her for bringing such skill and dedication to the Foundation. I am deeply honored to follow in her esteemed service as chair of the board,” said Dr. Mach. “Our mission of improving the care of older adults is vitally important to our entire society, and I look forward to working closely with Terry Fulmer, the board and staff to continue the momentum for spreading age-friendly care, support family caregivers and improve serious illness and end-of-life care for all of us as we age.”

“The John A. Hartford Foundation is extremely fortunate to have John’s stewardship and guidance,” said Dr. Fulmer. “He brings deep knowledge about the complexities of health care and a steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of all older adults and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of our Foundation’s work and John will help lead us forward with thoughtfulness and creativity.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: Marcus Escobedo, 212-832-7788, marcus.escobedo@johnahartford.org

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