Health Insurance Changes: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Speaker Bios

Jessica Gottsegen, Senior Policy and Research Analyst, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation

Jessica is part of the policy and research team at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, focusing on health insurance coverage and care, Medicaid, behavioral health, and racial inequities in health. In this role, Jessica assists in the creation and development of publications and events to educate stakeholders on the Foundation’s key areas of focus. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jessica worked at the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank advocating for health system reform with a focus on reducing overtreatment, improving health equity, and increasing hospital accountability. There, she supported a range of research initiatives and convenings. She also previously served as an intern at the World Health Organization's Stop TB Partnership in Geneva, Switzerland. She holds a master's in public health from Boston University School of Public Health and a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University.

Katherine Howitt, Vice President of Policy and Research, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation 

Katherine oversees the policy and research arm of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation's work, focusing on health insurance coverage and care, behavioral health, and racial inequities in health. Prior to her current role, Katherine was the Director of the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute where she led the Foundation’s Medicaid-focused policy and research work.  Katherine has also worked at Community Catalyst, a national non-profit advocacy organization. There, she led campaigns to expand and preserve Medicaid coverage at both the state and federal levels. Katherine has served as an adjunct professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, where she taught a course focusing on organizing for change in the health care system.  She holds a masters in economics from the University of British Columbia, and received advanced leadership training through the Massachusetts Institute for Community Health Leadership. 

Nicole Garrity, Healthcare for All Coordinator, Revitalize Community Development Corporation

Nicole Garrity is the Healthcare for All Coordinator at Revitalize CDC, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Psychology from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. Nicole has dedicated her professional career to supporting various non-profit organizations. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Lemmerman, Executive Director, Health Care For All

Jennifer Lemmerman is the Executive Director of Health Care For All (HCFA), where she leads the organization’s work to advance health justice and build a health care system that works for everyone in Massachusetts.

Jennifer brings 20 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Before joining HCFA, she served as Chief Policy Officer at Project Bread, where she led the organization’s policy, organizing, and government affairs work to end hunger in Massachusetts. She previously held roles at Community Catalyst, supporting passage and defense of the Affordable Care Act, and at the National Brain Tumor Society, where she led national grassroots advocacy efforts. Jennifer also served for six years on the Melrose City Council, including as Council President. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College, where she was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.

Tracye Whitfield, Executive Director, Coalition for an Equitable Economy

Tracye Whitfield is the Executive Director of the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, where she works to build an inclusive small business ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs of color across Massachusetts. She previously served as West Springfield’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, creating initiatives to advance equity in hiring, professional development, and community engagement. Her background also includes workforce development leadership through the Training and Workforce Options partnership between Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College.

A dedicated public servant and advocate, Tracye was elected as a Springfield City Councilor At Large and became the first African American woman to serve as Vice President of the Springfield City Council. She has championed public safety, workforce development, racial justice, and community engagement, including helping establish the Black Lives Matter mural at City Hall and co-founding the Juneteenth Jubilee Weekend celebration. Tracye holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a master’s degree in Accounting and Taxation from American International College, and she is most proud of her role as a mother and grandmother.