UMass Memorial Hires Key McGovern Aide

Christopher Philbin

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By Rick Saia

The chief of staff for U.S. Rep. James McGovern will become the top liaison to government for UMass Memorial Health Care, the Worcester-based health care system announced Monday.

Christopher Philbin, who has been McGovern’s top Congressional aide since 2005, will become vice president of government relations for UMass Memorial effective Sept. 3. A statement from UMass Memorial said Philbin has been instrumental in developing priorities surrounding health care for McGovern, and navigating the increasing roles of federal and state governments in health care.

“I am very excited to welcome Chris to the UMass Memorial Health Care team,” said Eric Dickson, UMass Memorial’s president and CEO. “The extensive knowledge and insight he brings to this position is invaluable.”

Dickson said Philbin “has been a tireless advocate for the medically underserved in our communities. This background and these ideals mesh perfectly with the mission and focus of UMass Memorial.”

In the same statement, McGovern, D-Worcester, said he and his staff will miss Philbin. “But I know that he will continue to use his many talents” in his new role, he said.

Philbin was community and economic development director for the Town of Clinton, before serving as legislative director for former state senator Robert A. Bernstein. He also served on the Clinton Hospital Board of Trustees at the time when Clinton Hospital joined the UMass Memorial system.