Marcus Johnson Joins Vitalyst Health Foundation

Vitalyst Health Foundation today announced that Marcus Johnson will join its staff as Director of State Health Policy and Advocacy on August 1. Marcus is coming to Vitalyst from the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, where he served as Director of Policy and Community Health. Prior to that position, Johnson helped to create the Office of Public Health Policy within the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
“Marcus has been a partner with Vitalyst for a number of years, including collaboration with the Cover Arizona Coalition, said Suzanne Pfister, Vitalyst president and CEO. “We are very pleased to welcome him to the team, and look forward to his policy, advocacy and coalition leadership.”
Johnson brings a strong track record from his experience addressing systemic issues that ultimately affect health. His contributions have led to significant policy and systems change in health care, behavioral health and public health – including the building of effective partnerships between the health care and public health sectors. He currently serves on numerous Boards, including the Arizona Public Health Association and Mental Health America of Arizona. Marcus holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and a B.S. in Physiology from the University of Arizona.
“Vitalyst has been a key contributor to health policy for 20 years,” noted Marcus. “I look forward to furthering this legacy, and to working with the foundation and all of our partners to ensure the conditions in which Arizona communities can thrive.”