Governor Appoints Secretary of Veterans Services
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey announced the appointment of Eric Goralnick, MD, MS, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS).
"We have made a strong commitment to fixing a broken system and delivering for our veterans," said Governor Maura Healey. "Dr. Goralnick understands that veterans deserve care that meets them where they are. He brings deep experience as a physician, a leader and a collaborator, and he has spent his career strengthening systems, improving access to care and bringing people together across institutions. He is the right person to build on this progress and continue delivering for veterans and their families across Massachusetts."
Goralnick brings over two decades of experience as an emergency physician, United States Navy Veteran, health system leader and nationally recognized expert in health care operations, military-civilian health care partnerships and care for service members, veterans and underserved communities.
"I am honored to serve Massachusetts veterans and their families," said Eric Goralnick. "As a Navy veteran myself, I understand both the challenges of transition and the incredible value veterans bring to our communities. This role represents an opportunity to ensure every veteran in the Commonwealth receives the support, resources, and recognition they've earned through their service"
As Secretary, Goralnick will oversee access to and provision of state veterans' benefits, ensure the continued delivery of high-quality care at the Massachusetts Veterans' Homes, advance behavioral health and suicide prevention initiatives, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, and strengthen collaboration across state agencies, health care systems and community partners.
An emergency medicine physician and US Navy veteran, Goralnick has built his career bridging military and civilian healthcare at Mass General Brigham and as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He has served in various leadership roles at the departmental, hospital, and system levels within Brigham and Women's Hospital and Mass General Brigham. As a researcher and mentor, he has authored over 100 publications focused on improving emergency medical care, healthcare system resilience, safety and quality. His work has created pathways for veterans transitioning to careers in civilian healthcare and strengthened partnerships between the Military Health System and academic medical centers. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has completed advanced training in emergency medicine, public health and healthcare management.
Goralnick will succeed former Secretary Jon Santiago, who led the creation and early transformation of EOVS following the COVID 19 crisis at the Soldiers' Homes and helped guide the agency through its foundational rebuilding phase.
Goralnick will assume his role in February. Andrea Gayle-Bennett will continue to serve as Interim Secretary.
