Marvin B. Figueroa, Appointed Distinguished Visiting Fellow and Founding Faculty Member at Meharry Medical College’s School of Global Health
Marvin B. Figueroa, Appointed Distinguished Visiting Fellow and Founding Faculty Member at Meharry Medical College’s School of Global Health
Former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff and Health Policy Leader to Shape Future Learners in Political Determinants of Health at Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN – January 23, 2025 – A seasoned public policy professional, with extensive experience at both the state and federal levels, and served as Chief of Staff in the United States Senate, Marvin B. Figueroa, is dually appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow and a member of the founding faculty for the Department of Political Determinants of Health at the School of Global (SGH) at Meharry Medical College.
“I’m passionate about training the next generation of leaders who will bring new perspectives to the intersection of healthcare and policy,” said Marvin B. Figueroa, Distinguished Visiting Fellow for the School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College. “We need more healthcare professionals at the table shaping the policies that impact their patients and communities. Meharry is uniquely positioned to prepare students to be those trusted voices—leaders equipped not only with expertise but also the lived experiences that make their advocacy impactful and authentic, said Figueroa.”
“Marvin B. Figueroa brings our students a unique opportunity to learn from one of our nation’s most effective health policy leaders and develop skills that will enable them to ultimately advance health equity,” said Daniel E. Dawes, Founding Dean, School of Global Health, and Senior Vice President, Global Health, Meharry Medical College. “His remarkable leadership and knowledge will undoubtedly be foundational to the academic experience of our students.”
This winter, the School of Global Health welcomed back its inaugural cohort for their second semester, while also working towards enrolling 100 students for the fall of 2025 across all five of its programs including; Master of Public Health, Master in Health Equity, Master in Health Law, Policy, and Management, Doctorate of Global Health Equity, Doctorate of Health Law, Policy, and Management.
The Department of Political Determinants of health will focus on developing students to understand and navigate our complex political system by effectively advocating for policies that improve public health. Figueroa previously served as Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he played a pivotal role in efforts to expand healthcare coverage, address public health emergencies, and reduce health disparities.
Earlier in his career, Figueroa served as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources (HHR) in Virginia in the Cabinet of Governor Ralph Northam, where he spearheaded the implementation of Medicaid expansion, providing healthcare access to over 500,000 residents. He also oversaw efforts to improve behavioral health services statewide. As Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), Figueroa focused on healthcare, education, and workforce development, achieving bipartisan legislative victories. His co-leadership of the Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care Working Group culminated in the landmark CHRONIC CARE Act of 2017, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2018.
Figueroa’s accolades include, Presidential Leadership Scholar (PLS), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust Congressional Staffer of the Year, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Young Alumnus of the Year.
Originally from La Ceiba, Honduras, Figueroa is a proud Garífuna (Gah-ri-fu-nah). Raised in the Bronx by a mother who worked as a home care worker, he holds a deep respect for all those who care for the most vulnerable, regardless of their title or formal role. A POSSE Foundation Scholar, Marvin earned his Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his Master’s degree from Harvard University. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Ready to join our School of Global Health? Apply to our MS, MPH, or PHD programs here: https://meharryglobal.org/academics/
About the School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College
The School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is rooted in Meharry’s nearly 150-year legacy of leading on health equity issues. As the nation’s first and only School of Global Health we are committed to preparing the next generation of global health learners and leaders to find solutions and respond to our communities’ complex and evolving health challenges with a global perspective. A hub for research and academic innovation in global health, mental and behavioral health, population health, public health, environmental health, health communications, social and political determinants of health, and more, the School is a trusted resource for health equity approaches and actionable solutions to the inequities affecting our most vulnerable, under-resourced, and marginalized communities. Learn more at MeharryGlobal.org.
Contact:
School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College
SGH@mmc.edu