Opioid-combatting Nonprofit Appoints Newton Resident As Next Board Leader

NEWTON, MA — A resident has been chosen as a leader of a nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting the opioid crisis in the state.

The RIZE Massachusetts Foundation said its work includes building networks, creating programming, and investing in community partners that are working to prevent overdose and expand access to treatment and recovery support. Joy Rosen was announced on Wednesday as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. She replaces Steve Pollock, who served as chair for seven years and will remain on the board.

“As chair and vice chair of the board, Steve (Pollock) and Joy (Rosen) have guided RIZE to remarkable progress, including a groundbreaking partnership with the state to ensure that opioid settlement funds are optimized to help communities recover from the crisis,” RIZE board treasurer Steven Lipiner said. “As chair, Joy will couple her experience on the board with her background in government and health care to chart the future course for the organization. Audrey and Marylou will bring perspectives and wisdom to their new board roles honed over their estimable careers and formidable professional accomplishments.”

Rosen is retired and previously held several leadership positions at Mass General Hospital, most recently serving as vice president of behavioral health at Mass General Brigham. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. She has nine years of total experience on the board, and has been promoted from second-in-command to the highest leadership position.

Audrey Shelto, of Somerville, was also announced as the board's newest general member. Shelto was president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation for nearly 13 years before retiring in 2025. RIZE said she also held leadership roles in nonprofit health insurance organizations and at the state Department of Mental Health. She currently serves on the board of directors of Women’s Lunch Place and on the board of advisors for Brandeis University’s Heller School of Social Policy and Management.

The RIZE Foundation was founded in the spring of 2017 in Boston by 60 influential leaders in multiple professional fields who decided to unite their resources.

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