A former health care information technology executive is taking the helm of Vermont’s Medicaid program.
Andrea DeLaBruere will become commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access next week, replacing the acting commissioner, Addie Strumolo, according to a press release issued Monday by Gov. Phil Scott’s office.
DeLaBruere joined the Agency of Human Services in early 2021 as its executive director, assisting with oversight of all six departments and the pandemic response, and with a special focus on housing, refugee resettlement and communications and legislative affairs.
“Andrea is a proven leader and an effective manager,” Scott said in the press release. Since joining the Agency of Human Services, “she’s been instrumental in supporting the agency and I’m confident she’ll excel in this new role.”
In addition to Medicaid, the Department of Vermont Health Access oversees Vermont Health Connect, the state’s health insurance exchange.
DeLaBruere works closely with Mike Smith, secretary of the Agency of Human Services, who announced last week that he plans to retire.
Smith applauded DeLaBruere’s appointment, predicting that “the team will thrive and grow under Andrea’s leadership,” he said in the press release.
DeLaBruere has a bachelor’s degree in health education from Norwich University, and a master’s degree in health care administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She worked previously at Vermont Information Technology Leaders, a nonprofit that operates Vermont’s Health Information Exchange, according to her LinkedIn profile.
— Liora Engel-Smith
