Ray Castro retiring from NJPP

Raymond Castro will retire from his post as health policy director at New Jersey Policy Perspective at the end of March.

Castro joined the influential think tank in 2006 after spending more than 33 years at the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

“Ray’s career epitomizes public service,” said NJPP president Brandon McKoy.  “Everyone gets into this line of work to improve the lives of people, but few individuals have had more success than Ray. It’s been a pleasure to work with him and to have him represent NJPP for all of these years. We will miss him.”

Castro turned NJPP into a major force in discussions about health care initiatives over the last fourteen years.

“When Ray joined our staff, he made NJPP instantly credible on health issues, and all he’s accomplished since then for the people of New Jersey is a tribute to his knowledge and compassion,” said Jon Shure, founding president of NJPP and current vice chair of the Board of Trustees.

The organization credited Castro with influencing the state’s decision to opt into Medicaid expansion, calling it a lasting legacy to his work.

“What an honor and privilege it has been to work for such an outstanding organization like NJPP,” Castro said.  “The progress that has been made in expanding health coverage during my time here is truly remarkable. I want to sincerely thank my colleagues at NJPP, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, members of the NJ for Health Care coalition, the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey, the many advocates who pushed for evidence-based health policy, and the state lawmakers and administrative officials who championed these efforts. Together, we have made New Jersey a leader in promoting economic opportunity for everyone, a goal few would have imagined 13 years ago.”