The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
A program dedicated to advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders’ ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources offer relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
October 28, 2020
News Article
Sep 22, 2026
Sep 21, 2026
Sep 14, 2026
Back to News Articles
Denise Gray-Felder, founding president of the global nonprofit Communication for Social Change Consortium, has been elected to the Milbank Memorial Fund Board of Directors. Ms. Gray-Felder is a communications expert who has worked in multiple industries and countries, addressing social issues such as disparities in health, education, gender, and income.
Before launching the Consortium, Ms. Gray-Felder was vice president of administration and communication for the Rockefeller Foundation for nine years, where she oversaw budgets exceeding $200 million for work in communication and policy, research and learning, and more. Prior to the Rockefeller Foundation she worked for 16 years in AT&T public relations.
While on hiatus from the New Jersey-based Consortium from 2014 to 2018, Ms. Gray-Felder served as the chief communications officer of Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan. Under her leadership, Michigan Medicine achieved the #5 ranking from the U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Rating.
“We are delighted and honored to have Denise Gray-Felder join our Board of Directors,” said Milbank Memorial Fund President Christopher F. Koller. “The many years of multisector communications experience she brings will help guide the Fund’s work with policymakers and other key audiences and advance population health during this difficult time for the nation.”
Ms. Gray-Felder, who joined the Board this October, is a former president of the Public Relations Society of America Foundation and recipient of a Spirit of Detroit Award. She was named one of Good Housekeeping magazine’s 40 Women of Promise Under 40 and was appointed to the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Commission by former Governor Thomas Kean. She holds a master’s degree in communication from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism with highest honors from the University of Michigan.