Josefina Carbonell is the Chief Advocacy Officer for ILS, where she leads legislative and regulatory strategy in support of aging populations and long-term care services. With decades of experience in healthcare at the local, state, and national levels, she partners with key stakeholders to strengthen home- and community-based services and long-term services and supports, working to improve integration and quality of care for vulnerable communities.

From 2001 to 2009, Carbonell served as Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush. In that role, she directed more than $4 billion in federal grant programs, co-led the implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act—including Special Needs Plans and Medicare Part D—and served as the nation’s chief advocate for independent living for older adults. Her leadership modernized aging programs and expanded access to community-based services nationwide.

Prior to joining ILS, Carbonell was the longtime CEO of Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Centers, one of the largest Hispanic-focused senior programs in the country. She serves on multiple national and state boards dedicated to aging and received her B.A. from Florida International University and an executive certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.