Mark Pafford Takes Over as CEO of Florida CHAIN

State House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach will take over as CEO of Florida Community Health Action Information Network (CHAIN), a group which supports President Barack Obama’s health-care law and enrolls Floridians into the program.

“At Florida CHAIN, we have been fortunate to have great leaders and a steady hand at the wheel through turbulent times for health care advocates in Florida,” said Florida CHAIN Board of Directors Chairwoman Christine Fisher on Thursday. “Today, we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that Mark Pafford will serve as our new CEO. Mark has a lived a lifetime of service, and he will now bring his leadership and vision, strong policy and advocacy background, and unique understanding of the legislative process to the helm of Florida CHAIN.”

“It is an honor to join the leading advocacy group for access to health care in a state where nearly a million people are still caught in the coverage gap,” said Pafford. “Florida CHAIN’s role becomes more important each day. I look forward to the challenge of increasing access to quality, affordable health care for all of my fellow Floridians.”

Pafford, who faces term limits next year, has focused on health-care issues during his time in Tallahassee,  serving as the ranking Democrat on the House Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee.