Reflections from our Outgoing Board Members: John Rusher
As we approach 2025, we’re continuing our board series! Today, we’re celebrating our next outgoing board member: John Rusher. John joined the JRE board in 2017. As a pediatrician and child advocate, he’s brought an extremely important perspective and leadership to the JRE board. Read some of his thoughts below!
We asked John about what he's most proud of from his time with JRE. John shared:
One of the reasons I wanted to get involved with JRE is that I’m a pediatrician in Wake County. I’ve been in practice for more than 25 years, and I strongly believe that the health of our community belongs to all of us. This includes both the equity of care and the quality of care. I enjoyed collaborating with really talented people who were also on the board and shared this belief. We were able to focus on that healthcare piece through our work.
I was most pleased that our thought leadership, perspective and support at JRE helped expand Medicaid to more folks in North Carolina. We were consistent in advocating for expansion in our state – and I know it’s a huge benefit for so many children and families. That’s a proud moment for sure.
*Psst - You can read more about some of the expansion work John is referencing here!
We asked John what his hopes are for JRE moving forward. John shared:
Throughout my tenure, the JRE team has been flexible and open. They’ve addressed the issues that continue to come forward in our community. They’re willing to listen and think outside the box.
When you’re pushing the boundaries the way JRE does, every idea isn’t going to be a home run. What’s important is not only to try new things, but to follow up with partners about how they’re doing and to learn from those experiences that aren’t the home runs, so the next thing can be. That’s something JRE is great at doing and something I’d like to see the team continue.
Keep taking those chances, keep learning, keep growing, keep serving kids across Wake County.