Lisa Asare, Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority

Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy announced the appointment of Lisa Asare as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority. The announcement was made at the inaugural public board meeting held in Trenton, which officially marked the launch of the Authority. The first of its kind in the nation Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA) is tasked with overseeing the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center based in Trenton and will be the arm of government that continues the vital work of Nurture NJ past the Murphy Administration. This role will mark the beginning of a cabinet level role working on supporting maternal and infant health, the first of its kind in the nation.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Asare as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority,” said Governor Murphy. “Lisa’s track record in supporting mothers, babies, and families of our state over the past two plus decades makes her the ideal candidate to oversee our state’s progression in the maternal and infant health space. I am certain her work leading the Authority will continue to move our state in the right direction for years to come.”

“I’ve had the honor of working closely with Lisa Asare who has been instrumental to the success of our Nurture NJ initiative,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The Strategic Plan, which she co-authored, has been our guiding light in establishing New Jersey as a national model and gold standard for maternal and infant health. I cannot think of a better individual to lead the Authority, especially at such a crucial time as we move closer to breaking ground on the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton. The mothers and babies in our state are in the excellent hands with Lisa, who will make sure the critical work of Nurture NJ lives on well past our administration.”

“Today’s board meeting marks a major milestone in the years of work by countless partners who have dedicated themselves to improving maternal health across the state. In New Jersey, we respect and cherish women and mothers, and the work of this board serves as an expression of those values,” continued the First Lady.

“It is my honor and privilege to be appointed as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of the MIHIA,” said Lisa Asare, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer. “It has been my life’s work to deliver programs focusing on the health and well-being of birthing individuals, children, and families. I am passionate about advocating for communities that face disparities and inequities not just related to maternal and infant health outcomes, but on all elements that are fundamental to living a full life. It is my honor and a full circle moment for me to step into this role and build on the momentum of so many maternal advocates across the state. I am incredibly grateful to Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and board members for entrusting me with this opportunity to continue to serve the families of NJ in this new capacity. I look forward to delivering innovative approaches to birthing individuals, infants, and communities throughout New Jersey.”