The ABA Commission on Law and Aging welcomes five new appointments for the 2019-2020 term. We are thankful for the contributions of those whose terms have ended, and we look forward to continuing and advancing meaningful work with our new and current commissioners.
We'd like our readers to get to know our new commissioners: Judith Feder; Hon. Lauren Holland; Jason Karlawish, MD; Casey Ross; and Dominic Vorv.
Judith Feder
Judith Feder is a professor of public policy and, from 1999 to 2008, served as dean of what is now the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Professor Feder is a nationally-recognized leader in health and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) policy. She is a widely published scholar, staff director of the congressional Pepper Commission (1989-1990), HHS deputy assistant secretary of planning and evaluation (1993-1995), Democratic nominee for Congress in VA-10 (2006, 2008), and member of the congressional Long-term Care Commission (2013). She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Public Administration, and the National Academy of Social Insurance; a former chair and board member of Academy Health and former board member of the National Academy of Social Insurance; and a member of the Center for American Progress Action Fund Board and of the Hamilton Project’s Advisory Council; and an Urban Institute Fellow. Professor Feder is a political scientist, with a B.A. from Brandeis University, and a master's and PhD from Harvard University.
Why did you decide to join the Commission?
Promoting solutions to address the long-standing inadequacies of the nation's financing for long-term services and supports becomes increasingly important as baby boomers age and need care. Participation in the Commission offers an opportunity to advance effective policies that are sorely needed.
What do you hope to bring to the Commission, and what do you hope to accomplish?
I bring to the Commission decades of experience in developing, evaluating, and promoting policies that improve access to affordable LTSS. I hope my policy and political experience can advance the Commission's efforts to educate policymakers and the public on why and how to achieve that goal.
Has the Commission impacted your work, and if so, how?
The Commission's voice--and Charlie Sabatino's leadership--contribute mightily to advancing public and policymaker understanding of LTSS policy. I have benefited from and partnered with Charlie and the commission as a researcher, policymaker, and advocate throughout my career.