LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Health Endowment Fund today announced the hire of Becky Cienki as Senior Program Officer. Cienki has nearly 20 years of experience in public health, both at a local and state level. The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health of Michigan children and senior residents and reduce the cost of health care.
In her new role, Cienki will be responsible for working on the Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s grant making initiatives with a primary focus on mental health initiatives. As Senior Program Officer, she will be responsible for designing and implementing the Funds strategic grant programs, overseeing grant activities and developing statewide partnerships with organizations aligned with the Fund’s mission.
“Becky is the perfect addition to our team,” said Paul Hillegonds, executive director of Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “Her diverse knowledge and background related to health policy, improving integration of mental health and primary care services, program management and health improvement for Michigan’s most vulnerable communities will benefit Health Endowment Fund grantees.”
Cienki most recently served as the chief operating officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) where she provided organizational leadership and set strategic direction for the association, representing Michigan’s 40 community health center organizations. In her role, she was responsible for developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with key administrators, trade associations, and community partners to advocate MPCA’s position and strategic objectives. Cienki also was responsible for overseeing the programmatic activities of the association and directing the development and administration of grants and contracts. Prior to MPCA, she served as a health educator with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department and as a Drug Elimination Program Coordinator for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Cienki is currently involved with several organizations and boards, serving on the Michigan Behavioral Health Advisory Council; serving as advisory board member and faculty to the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work’s Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate Program; and is active with the Children’s Special Health Care Advisory. Additionally, Cienki served as a board member and chair of the Michigan Oral Health Coalition. She has a Masters in Public Health, Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise and Health Services from Alma College.
For additional information on the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, please visit healthendowmentfund.org.
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About the Michigan Health Endowment Fund:
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund was established to improve the health of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of health care with special emphasis on the health and wellness of children and seniors. The Fund was created through the passage of Public Act 4 of 2013, which authorized certain changes to how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) operates.
