Andrea Martinez-Mejia, MPA, MA
With a background in public health, advocacy, outreach, and program management, Andrea Martinez-Mejia is passionate about improving access and equity to healthcare services for all community members. Well-versed in the legislative process, Martinez-Mejia can assess changing policy requirements, consult with legislators and advocates to ensure the community’s needs are heard, and adapt to new operational standards and resource allocations. Leveraging a diverse skillset that includes work in the public and private sectors, she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, a non-profit organization aiming to work collaboratively to improve systems, communities, and individual conditions for optimal health and well-being.
Before joining the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, she served as Chief of Staff for the NJ Department of Health from 2018 to 2023. During this time, she led operations for eight offices within the Department (HR, Ethics, Communications, Equal Opportunity, Legislative Affairs, Management and administration, Minority & Multicultural Health & Research Initiatives). In addition to playing a vital role in public awareness initiatives related to maternal and children’s health, COVID-19, and vaping, Martinez-Mejia advocated for Spanish-speaking populations by shaping partnerships with Latino media outlets to expand the reach of the Department.
Previously, Martinez-Mejia served as Coordinator of Community Health Services for the City of Trenton’s Department of Health & Human Services and as Community Recovery Director with the American Red Cross following Superstorm Sandy. Starting in public service, Martinez-Mejia also served in several positions within the State of New Jersey, including with the Department of Health & Senior Services, Office of the Governor, and Department of State. Martinez-Mejia has a Master of Public Administration in Healthcare Management and Policy, a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Outside of the workplace, Martinez-Mejia is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI), the Board of the Women’s Political Caucus of NJ (WPCNJ), member and Vice President of the Dr. Orlando Edreida Academy PTA, the Board of Latina Civic and as Chair of the Latina Civic Foundation, Inc. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Murphy as a public member of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority and formerly serving as Volunteer Mentor Coach with America Needs You. Martinez-Mejia is bilingual in English and Spanish and passionate about her Hispanic heritage.