Professor John McDonough (HS), a former Massachusetts legislator, on Feb. 19 accepted the position of executive director at Health Care for All, a Massachusetts-based not-for-profit universal-healthcare advocacy group.McDonough is carrying out his teaching duties for the semester through May 1, when he will assume his new occupation. According to the organization's Web site, McDonough's actions as a lawmaker inspired the U.S. House of Representatives to enact the Children's Health Insurance Program, a law that provides easier access to health care for children.

After 14 years in public office, McDonough began a teaching career at the University in 1998. "I have enormous respect for many persons throughout Brandeis who have been helpful and supportive over the past five years," he said of his experience here.

He commented particularly on the Heller School and his colleagues there, saying, "I especially respect the great folks at the Heller School who do important work on behalf of disadvantaged groups. Dean Jack Shonkoff is a great leader and a force for positive change. I also deeply respect the researchers at the Schneider Institute for Health Policy and its director, Stan Wallack."

Even with his respect for the school, McDonough still feels that it is time to move on. "I am leaving because the opportunity to lead Health Care for All is especially important in this period. Health Care for All is a key organization in stopping or slowing the cuts (in health care) and developing an approach to move forward," he said.