At its August Annual Meeting, the Heluna Health Board of Directors elected Alexander K. Baker, MBA, to serve as the organization’s new chair with longtime chair, Erik D. Ramanathan, JD, transitioning to immediate past chair, effective September 30, 2021. Mr. Ramanathan has served on Heluna Health’s board for 11 years—the last five years of which was as chair. During their overlapping tenure on the Heluna Health Board of Directors, Mr. Ramanathan and Mr. Baker have been integral to the evolution, rapid growth, and success of Heluna Health—one of the nation’s largest non-profit agencies dedicated to providing program and support services to optimize population health.
As a public service change agent with decades of board leadership experience, Erik has helped Heluna Health expand its capabilities and grow from a $70 million organization to one with a budget in excess of $400 million. In 2018, he led the organization through a comprehensive and successful rebrand from Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE) to Heluna Health. And with the grace of a visionary leader, he has most recently helped to shepherd the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, while not only maintaining but expanding its impact on population health.
“Leading the Board of Directors at Heluna Health has been a true honor,” said Erik. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and it has been a privilege to work alongside Heluna Health’s highly committed staff, board members, partners, and clients in our shared mission over the past decade to enhance the health, wellness, and resilience of every community we serve.”
Alex Baker, who has served on the Heluna Health Board of Directors since 2017, brings his finance, operations, and change management expertise to guide the organization through an important stage of transformation and growth. Alex also brings a wealth of executive leadership and public health experience. As Chief Operating Officer for John Snow, Inc. (JSI) and JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., a public health management consulting and research organization, as well as World Education, Inc., a JSI affiliate, Alex has deep familiarity with improving the health of underserved people and communities throughout the world.
“I am excited and humbled to be taking on this important role in leading an extremely competent, diverse, and well-rounded board of directors,” said Alex. “I am looking forward to supporting Heluna Health as it makes an even greater impact in our communities and as we hit the ground running on the execution of our new, four-year strategic plan.”
The Heluna Health Board of Directors and executive leadership team are working closely together to ensure the smooth transition of board chairs. “As I step back from more active leadership of the board and its stewardship of our mission, I’m thrilled that our succession planning leaves the organization in trusted hands,” notes Erik. Our board and staff extend our deepest gratitude to Erik for his dedicated service over the last 11 years, allowing Heluna Health to achieve important milestones in improving population health. We also welcome and congratulate Alex on his new role as chair.
For in-depth bios and to learn more about Heluna Health’s board of directors, please visit www.helunahealth.org/our-people.
