Rachel Poplack named Director of Strategy for The Health Trust

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 12, 2013 –

Rachel PoplackRachel Poplack, who led The Health Trust’s efforts to make healthy food available and affordable in underserved areas of Silicon Valley as Director of Healthy Living, has been named Director of Strategy

In her new position, Poplack will be responsible for strategic planning projects as well as for monitoring and evaluating the impact of The Health Trust’s work. Her initial assignment will be to oversee the development of three new Health Trust strategies as part of the agency’s new five-year plan:

  • A social enterprise model for a healthy meals delivery system
  • A food access plan that emphasizes seniors and homeless individuals in San Jose
  • A one-stop shop for preventive health services

“The Affordable Care Act will create demand for services that focus on keeping people healthy and out of the hospital – the kind of services The Health Trust is known for,” said CEO Frederick J. Ferrer. “Because of her extensive knowledge of public health and her experience developing strategic opportunities as part of our Healthy Living Initiative, Rachel is the perfect person to lead The Health Trust’s next strategic effort.”

Poplack came to The Health Trust in 2003 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. Before becoming Director of Healthy Living in 2011, she was Program Director of Community Partnerships, overseeing The Health Trust’s volunteer programs and community collaborations.

As Director of Healthy Living, Poplack led The Health Trust’s efforts to address the obesity crisis by developing programs and policies that promote access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas. She worked with the City of San Jose to incorporate a strong health element in its general plan, and she led the Campaign for Healthy Food San Jose, a federally funded effort that changed City policies to encourage urban agriculture, small farmers’ markets that accept CalFresh (food stamps), and mobile produce vending.

Poplack holds a B.A. degree from Brandeis University and a Masters in Public Health degree from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

A search has begun for a new Director of Healthy Living. Poplack will remain in the position until a successor comes on board.

For information contact:
Patty Fisher, The Health Trust
408.513.8705
pattyf@healthtrust.org