About Us

The Board of Directors of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation today announced that Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh, who currently serves as the Foundation’s vice president of policy and research, has been selected as the new president and CEO effective January 1, 2026, replacing President and CEO Audrey Shelto, who will retire on December 31 after more than a decade leading the organization.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Kaitlyn as our next president and CEO,” said Foundation Board Chair Dr. Thomas H. Lee.  “Her expertise, intellect, and steady focus on improving equitable access to health care makes her the ideal person to lead us into the future.  Audrey’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the Foundation and her ability to build consensus on complex issues has had a lasting influence on the health policy landscape.” 

Kenney Walsh has played a central role in developing and advancing the Foundation’s policy and research agenda.  In her current role, she leads a team responsible for producing high-impact research publications, raising the urgency of key issues through public dialogue, and convening leaders across sectors.  Her leadership has strengthened the Foundation’s visibility as a trusted source of data and insight for policymakers, advocates, and community partners.

“The Foundation’s mission has never been more important,” said Kenney Walsh.  “I am honored to build on Audrey’s legacy and advance the Foundation’s work alongside our talented staff, dedicated board, and many partners who share our commitment to strengthening health coverage.”

Kenney Walsh joined the Foundation in 2013 and previously served as the director of policy and research and coordinator of national health care reform for the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority.  She has a bachelor’s degree in health policy and management from Providence College and a master’s degree in political science and Ph.D. in public and international affairs from Northeastern University.

Shelto’s career has spanned more than four decades of leadership, during which she has focused on improving the delivery of health care and human services.  Since 2013, she has guided the Foundation through a period of growth as it has built on its legacy of advancing health coverage and access across Massachusetts.  Under Shelto’s tenure, the Foundation developed innovative new grantmaking programs, reinforced its standing as a trusted resource in health care research, and sharpened its focus in the areas of broadening coverage and care, promoting racial justice and equity in health, and expanding access to behavioral health care.

Shelto’s tenure was marked by partnerships she built with community-based organizations, recognizing that the Foundation’s impact could be amplified by pairing its resources with the people who know their communities best.

“It has been a privilege to lead an organization whose purpose is so deeply based in fairness, access, and compassion,” said Shelto.  “Our work has always been about ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts – especially those who face systemic barriers – can get the care they need to live healthy lives.  Kaitlyn has been a driving force behind much of our work, and she brings an important mix of policy expertise, strategic vision, and caring that will ensure that the Foundation plays a pivotal role in preserving access to health care at a very challenging time.”

About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation 

 The mission of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation is to ensure equitable access to health care for all those in the Commonwealth who are economically, racially, culturally or socially marginalized.  The Foundation was established in 2001 with an endowment from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.  It operates separately from the company and is governed by its own Board of Directors.  For more information, visit www.bluecrossmafoundation.org. 

###