Banach succeeds J. Donald Schumacher, PsyD, who has led the organization since 2002. He’ll take on the new position on Feb. 22.
Banach said he looks forward to working with NHPCO and its partners on building a better, fairer and more accessible healthcare system,” Banach remarked.
“With the aging of the Baby-Boomers, our nation is experiencing an increase in the need for hospice and palliative care services,” he said. “What began 50 years ago as a grassroots movement to better care for the dying is now an integral part of the U.S. health care landscape and the expansion of community-based palliative care services provides further opportunities to ensure we are providing the best possible care for those facing serious and life-limiting illness.”
SDAHO is affiliated with NHPCO, the nation’s largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals. The Alexandria, Virginia-based organization has a mission to lead and mobilize social change for improved care at the end of life.
Banach is a partner in the firm of Gallagher, Evelius & Jones in Baltimore. He previously served as deputy director of the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and associate general counsel at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Banach holds a B.A. from Binghamton University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Prior to attending law school Banach worked for the New York City Department of Homeless Services and Mayor’s Office of Operations.
Linda Rock, chair of the search committee, said Banach has the experience and insight from which our entire community will certainly benefit.
