Merrill Friedman

Board Member

Merrill leads inclusive policy and advocacy for Elevance Health. She works collaboratively with
advocates, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure the diversity of individuals and personal
experiences inform Elevance Health’s health benefits approaches and healthcare programs. Ms.
Friedman advances the integration of the independent living philosophy, self-determination, lived
experience, and person-centeredness along with the National Advisory Board (NAB) on Improving
Healthcare Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities six foundational principles throughout
policy, programs, individual interactions, and business practices. In addition, she leads strategic
partnerships with national and local organizations to advance access, health equity, and inclusive public
policy.
Previously, Ms. Friedman was interim director at a nonprofit foster care agency serving children and
adolescents who experienced severe neglect and abuse. She also served as president and chief
executive officer of a private organization that owned and operated residential treatment facilities, group
homes and home and community-based services in several states for adolescents with mental health
conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ms. Friedman has served on numerous national boards and commissions. She was appointed by
President Barack Obama to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and by
Governor Jennifer Granholm to the MI Statewide Independent Living Council where she served as Board
Chair. Currently, Ms. Friedman serves on the board of directors for Mental Health America (MHA), the
National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), the Institute for Exceptional Care (IEC), and EveryLife
Foundation, and is an Advisory Board member for Uplift and ADvancing States’ MLTSS Institute.

Talks About
#communityleaders #stakeholders

Preferred Locations
#NorthAmerica