Josefina Carbonell is the Chief Advocacy Officer for Independent Living Systems (ILS) and a seasoned healthcare professional with experience at the local, state, and national levels. She has been an instrumental voice for the nation’s aging population and has worked to develop programs aimed at serving our nation’s seniors.

In her current role, Josefina works closely with the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board in crafting and implementing the company’s advocacy agenda, including taking legislative and regulatory action on major state and federal public policy initiatives. Josefina also leads the partnership and collaboration efforts with key community based HCBS/LTSS stakeholders and Providers in order to drive quality service improvements and better integration efforts in the care and delivery of LTSS services to members.

In 2001, she was appointed by President George W. Bush as the Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where she directed all operations of $4.1 billion in Federal grant programs to support community-based long-term care services for the U.S. elderly. She also co-led the implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act, SNP’s and Part D Benefits, as well as served as a principal advocate in the U.S. for independent living for the elderly. Josefina established, modernized, and guided numerous programs, campaigns, and networks in HHS until she joined the ILS management team in January 2009.

Previously, Josefina also served as the chief executive of Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Centers of Dade County, Inc., the nation’s largest aging, health and nutrition services program in Florida geared towards the geriatric Hispanic community. Josefina also serves as a board member for several organizations on aging, including the National Council on Aging, Easter Seals, Partners at Home LLC, Florida Council on Aging, Florida Atlantic University’s Board of Advisors for the Academy on Aging, and Independent Living Community Services, Inc.

Josefina received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida International University in Public Administration and External Studies. She continued her education at Harvard University and received a Certificate Degree Program for State and Local Senior Executives from the JFK School of Government.