New Jersey taps Lisa Asare to lead maternal and infant health reforms under Sherrill

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill has named Lisa Asare as the continuing leader of New Jersey’s efforts to improve maternal and infant health. Asare will remain president and CEO of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority, a role she has held under the previous administration. Her work focuses on reducing healthcare disparities, particularly for communities of colour across the state. Asare previously served as deputy commissioner of family health services at the Department of Human Services. There, she helped develop a strategic plan to cut maternal and infant deaths while addressing racial inequalities in care. This plan was created alongside former First Lady Tammy Murphy and other key partners.

During her career, Asare has built a reputation for uniting government agencies, healthcare providers, and local advocates. Together, they tackle barriers to affordable care and improve health outcomes for women. Her approach emphasises collaboration, ensuring community voices shape policies that directly affect them.

Now, under Sherrill’s administration, Asare will push forward initiatives to grow the midwife and doula workforce. The team also plans to expand telehealth and remote monitoring for new mothers and babies. These efforts aim to make postpartum care more accessible, especially in underserved areas.

Asare’s priorities include hands-on medical support, social factors affecting health, and workforce expansion in perinatal care. She will also back research, data tracking, and pilot programmes to test new solutions in maternal and infant health. Sherrill made maternal health a key part of her gubernatorial campaign, vowing to build on existing progress. With Asare at the helm, the state will continue investing in workforce training, technology, and community-driven strategies. The goal remains clear: fewer preventable deaths and better health equity for mothers and infants in New Jersey.