Betsy Lynam

Elizabeth Lynam is the Chief Program Officer of AHRC New York City. Elizabeth, also known as Betsy, has an exceptional and unique range of experiences workingwith special populations including people with IDD and their families. Betsy has held high-level leadership roles in the development of policy and financial models to support services and programs to vulnerable populations across New York State, as well as overseeing programs and services for people with IDD. Most recently, Betsy worked as a Subject Matter Expert in the Global Healthcare Practice for KPMG Advisory, one of the top 4 advisory and accounting firms in the nation. She played a lead role in developing strategic direction for the implementation of Value-Based Payment models for New York’s $70 billion Medicaid program. Working closely with the leadership of the New York State Department of Health, she managed extensive engagement efforts with providers, managed-care plans and advocates for special populations including those with IDD. She has also worked extremely closely with the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, as well as with OPWDD. Prior to advising New York State government in her work with KPMG, she was the Vice President of the highly regarded Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization whose mission is to achieve constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York State government. Betsy has also held positions as Deputy Director of the New York City Department of Education, Office of Special Education Initiatives, and as a Senior Education Analyst at the New York City Independent Budget Office. In addition to her leadership roles in guiding public policy and program development, she has had Director-level positions for the Learning Disabilities Association of Rochester and at the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Rochester.Betsy started her impressive career as a Direct Support Professional at the Arc of Monroe. Betsy has also volunteered her substantial skills while serving as an expert consultant in the Financial Services Volunteer Corps in Morocco and Tunisia. Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from Cornell University and a Master of Science in Policy Analysis and Management from the New School. Her unique combination of leadership roles in large scale population support models and hands-on experience working with and managing programs and services for people with IDD will greatly bolster our continued efforts to innovate, advocate and lead the field in the transformative years to come.