RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), an independent nonprofit foundation working to end the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. The three additions expand the number of directors to eleven. Joining the board are:
- Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys. He formed the band in 1996. In the past 24 years they have sold over 10 million records worldwide and are constantly touring the world playing to their loyal passionate fan base. Casey is in long term recovery and has a unique perspective on substance use disorder through the band’s engagement with young people as well as the work with others as part of his own recovery. Also, through the band’s own charity foundation, Casey has supported local organizations that offer a comprehensive approach to alcohol and drug addiction. While the Dropkick Murphys are widely thought of as a rowdy punk rock band, the group’s latest album deals with the Massachusetts opioid crisis which has directly touched the lives of many of the band members’ friends and families.
- Reshma Kewalramani, MD, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Kewalramani oversees clinical development, global regulatory affairs, medical affairs, drug safety and other related functions, and is responsible for developing, advising and driving execution of Vertex’s clinical development programs. She will become the company’s president and chief executive officer in April 2020. Prior to Vertex, she spent more than 12 years at Amgen, holding a variety of senior leadership roles across research and development.
- Michael Tang, MD, MBA, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, The Dimock Center. Dr. Tang has worked at the Dimock Center since July 2014, originally as Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Integration and most recently as Chief Behavioral Health Officer. He oversees a continuum of behavioral health care services including detox, crisis stabilization, recovery homes, family shelter, and group homes for developmentally disabled adults. He is a pediatrician, child psychiatrist, and adult psychiatrist.
“We are grateful that Ken, Reshma, and Michael agreed to serve on the RIZE Board,” said Steve Pollock, President and CEO of DentaQuest and Chair of the RIZE Board of Directors. “Each of these leaders brings unique perspectives on how to combat the opioid crisis and support the organizations that are on the front lines of treating people with opioid use disorder, and we are fortunate to have them on the team.”
“These fabulous additions to our Board will help strengthen and complement the talented group that we have already,” said Julie Burns, President and CEO, RIZE Massachusetts Foundation. “We appreciate they are so giving of their time, expertise, and passion to help end the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts.”
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