Mercer Times

First Lady Tammy Murphy announced the appointment of Barbara George Johnson, J.D., and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston to leadership positions on the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA) Board. Johnson will serve as Chair, while Baston takes on the role of Vice Chair. Both are current board members and their appointments are effective immediately.

"Beyond her decades-long career and service to the people of our state, Barbara George Johnson has played a crucial role on the ground with the Trenton community for years working to ensure that our Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center is rooted in what the community wants and needs," said First Lady Tammy Murphy. "Commissioner Baston has spent her career protecting the health of mothers and babies, promoting healthy families, and improving the quality of healthcare for all New Jerseyans."

Lisa Asare, President and CEO of MIHIA, expressed confidence in their appointments: "On the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority Board, both Ms. George Johnson and Commissioner Baston are playing instrumental roles in the early stages of building the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in our state’s capital."

Barbara George Johnson shared her commitment: "I am deeply honored to be appointed Chair... I am committed to continuing this vital work." Similarly, Commissioner Kaitlan Baston stated: "I am honored to serve as Vice Chair as we continue...to help improve outcomes for parents and children."

The Nurture NJ initiative was launched by First Lady Tammy Murphy in 2019 to address maternal and infant health issues statewide. The MIHIA was established through legislation signed by Governor Phil Murphy in July 2023.

Johnson brings over 30 years of public policy experience focused on healthcare issues within New Jersey. She holds degrees from Cornell University, Columbia University, and Rutgers-Newark Law School.

Dr. Kaitlan Baston previously served at Cooper University Health Care where she founded an integrated center for addiction medicine. She is involved with several national committees related to maternal health care.

Baston earned degrees from Miami University, Kings College London, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, with dual board certifications in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine.