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 country’s aging population and has worked to develop programs aimed at serving our nation’s seniors.

In her current role, Carbonell 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. Carbonell also leads the partnership and collaboration efforts with key stakeholders and providers for home- and community-based services (HCBS) and long-term services and supports (LTSS). This work aims to drive quality service improvements and better integration efforts in the care and delivery of LTSS to members.

In 2001, Carbonell 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 older adults. She also co-led the implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act, special needs plans and Part D benefits, as well as served as a principal advocate in the U.S. for independent living for seniors. Carbonell established, modernized and guided numerous programs, campaigns and networks in HHS until she joined the ILS management team in January 2009.

Previously, Carbonell 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 toward the geriatric Hispanic community.

Carbonell 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.

Carbonell received her Bachelor of Arts in public administration and external studies from Florida International University. She continued her education and received a certificate degree for state and local senior executives from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.