Secretary Polanowicz Announces Rosalie Edes as Assistant Secretary for The Office of Disability Policy and Programs

BOSTON, March 22 -- The Massachusetts Department of Health & Human Services issued the following news release:

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary John Polanowicz today announced the appointment of Rosalie Edes as assistant secretary for the Office of Disability Policy and Programs.

"Rosalie is a well-respected leader who brings more than 30 years of experience in health and human services to this position," said Secretary Polanowicz. "Her personal connection to and deep knowledge of disability policy will help strengthen the services we provide to our most vulnerable populations."

Edes, whose son was born with Down syndrome, has a passion for enhancing disability services for all people. As assistant secretary, she will focus on ensuring high quality, community-based services for children and adults with disabilities.

Since 2009, Edes has served as deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Disability Policies and Programs at HHS, coordinating more than $2 billion in long term care, rehabilitation and employment services. During this time, she was a key player in the development of the community based Medicaid waiver programs, advanced family support initiatives; and she represented HHS on the statewide Autism Commission.

Prior to working with HHS, Edes served as executive director of Minute Man Arc for Human Services, overseeing a significant expansion of the agency. She also served for 10 years at the Department of Public Health's Division for Special Health Care Needs. There she served as director of family and community supports, developing policies for the state's early intervention and parent leadership program and the Family TIES parent-to-parent network. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Barnard College at Columbia University and advanced degrees in Counseling & School Psychology from Fitchburg State University and Anna Maria College.

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