With a background in public health, advocacy and outreach, and program management, Andrea Martínez-Mejía is passionate about improving access and equity to healthcare services for all members of the community. Well-versed in the legislative process, Martinez-Mejia can assess changing policy requirements, consult with legislators and advocates to ensure the needs of the community are heard, and adapt to new operational standards and resource allocations.
Leveraging a diverse skill set that includes work in the public and private sectors, Martinez-Mejia has served as Chief of Staff for the NJ Department of Health since 2018. During this time, she has led operations for eight offices within the Department (HR, Ethics, Communications, Equal Opportunity, Legislative Affairs, Management & Administration, Minority & Multicultural Health & Research Initiatives). In addition to playing a vital role in public awareness initiatives related to maternal and children’s health, COVID-19, and vaping, Martinez-Mejia has advocated for Spanish-speaking populations by shaping partnerships with Latino media outlets to expand the reach of the department.
Previously, Martinez-Mejia served as Coordinator of Community Health Services for the City of Trenton’s Department of Health & Human Services; Community Recovery Director with the American Red Cross following Superstorm Sandy; and as a Family Worker for the Black United Fund (BUF) Health & Human Services. Starting out in public service, Martinez-Mejia also served in several positions within the State of New Jersey, including with the Department of Health & Senior Services, Office of the Governor, and Department of State.
Martinez-Mejia has a Master of Public Administration in Healthcare Management and Policy, along with a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations, from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Outside of the workplace, Martinez-Mejia is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Latina Civic and as Chair of the Latina Civic Foundation, Inc. and formerly serving as Volunteer Mentor Coach with America Needs You. Martinez-Mejia is bilingual in English and Spanish and is driven to bring inclusive healthcare opportunities to all parts of the community.