Gov. Maura Healey today announced the appointment of Eric Goralnick, MD, MS, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS).
Dr. Goralnick brings over two decades of experience as an emergency physician, United States Navy Veteran, health system leader, and nationally recognized expert in health care operations, military-civilian health care partnerships, and care for service members, veterans, and underserved communities. He assumes leadership of the agency at a moment of strong momentum, building on recent progress to expand services and ensure veterans across Massachusetts can access high-quality, timely, and compassionate care under Healey.
“We have made a strong commitment to fixing a broken system and delivering for our veterans,” Healey said. “Dr. Goralnick understands that veterans deserve care that meets them where they are. He brings deep experience as a physician, a leader, and a collaborator, and he has spent his career strengthening systems, improving access to care, and bringing people together across institutions. He is the right person to build on this progress and continue delivering for veterans and their families across Massachusetts.”
“Veterans and their families deserve a system that works consistently and delivers results,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “Dr. Goralnick brings a strong track record of leadership and problem-solving, and he steps into this role at a time when Massachusetts is focused on sustaining progress and expanding support for veterans statewide.”
“I am honored to serve Massachusetts veterans and their families,” Goralnick said. “As a Navy veteran myself, I understand both the challenges of transition and the incredible value veterans bring to our communities. This role represents an opportunity to ensure every veteran in the Commonwealth receives the support, resources, and recognition they’ve earned through their service.”
As Secretary, Dr. Goralnick will oversee access to and provision of state veterans’ benefits, ensure the continued delivery of high-quality care at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Homes, advance behavioral health and suicide prevention initiatives, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, and strengthen collaboration across state agencies, health care systems, and community partners.
An emergency medicine physician and US Navy veteran, Dr. Goralnick has built his career bridging military and civilian healthcare at Mass General Brigham and as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He has served in various leadership roles at the departmental, hospital, and system levels within Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham. As a researcher and mentor, he has authored over 100 publications focused on improving emergency medical care, healthcare system resilience, safety, and quality. His work has created pathways for veterans transitioning to careers in civilian healthcare and strengthened partnerships between the Military Health System and academic medical centers. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has completed advanced training in emergency medicine, public health, and healthcare management.
Dr. Goralnick will succeed former Secretary Jon Santiago, who led the creation and early transformation of EOVS following the COVID-19 crisis at the Soldiers’ Homes and helped guide the agency through its foundational rebuilding phase.
Dr. Goralnick will assume his role in February. Dr. Andrea Gayle-Bennett will continue to serve as Interim Secretary.
