Mission Statement

The mission of the National Institute for Health Care Reform is to conduct high-quality, objective research and policy analyses of the organization, financing and delivery of health care in the United States. The Institute works to identify key health policy issues, identify policy options, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of policy options to help inform policy makers and other decision makers about how to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care to all Americans.

About the Institute

The National Institute for Health Care Reform is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established by the International Union, UAW; Chrysler Group LLC; Ford Motor Company; and General Motors to conduct health policy research and analysis to improve the organization, financing and delivery of health care in the United States.

The Institute, incorporated in the state of Michigan, is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, with the UAW appointing three directors and each of the companies appointing one director. The Institute has contracted with the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) to conduct health policy research and policy analyses, and HSC President Paul B. Ginsburg, Ph.D., serves as the Institute's research director. All research and analysis are conducted using HSC's rigorous standards for quality and objectivity.

The Institute does not take policy positions, and similar to HSC, strives to be an honest broker of information and a reliable resource for decision makers on all sides of the critical issues facing the U.S. health care system.

The Board approves the Institute's research and policy analysis agenda, delegating responsibility to HSC to conduct all research and policy analyses and publish and disseminate findings. HSC retains the right to publish all research results, and final methodological and editorial decisions ultimately reside with HSC.

About the Institute Directors

Linda Ewing, Research and Social Security Director, International Union, UAW –  As research and social security director for the UAW, Ewing works with a staff of economists, accountants, actuaries and benefit experts to support the union’s work in bargaining contracts, organizing new members and advocating for the interests of working people in the public policy arena. An economist by training, Ewing joined the UAW staff in 1991 and was appointed director of the research department in 2002. In 2008, her responsibilities were expanded to include pensions and health care.  She serves as a member of the board of directors of Health Alliance Plan, a nonprofit health plan based in Detroit.

Shelly L. Hoffmann, Director of Health Care Plans, General Motors- Hoffmann joined the General Motors Health Care team in July 1997 and was appointed to her current position in November 2005. As director, Hoffmann is responsible for strategy development and administration of GM's health care plans. Previously, Hoffmann held various positions within GM Health Care, including managing all medical, dental and vision plans and coordinating health care reform at the community level in southeast Michigan. Additionally, Hoffmann supported GM Health Care while with the GM finance staff and with Electronic Data Systems. She also previously supervised the operations of the Cancer Information Service of Illinois. Hoffmann attended the University of Illinois and holds a master's degree in business administration and a master's degree in health services administration, both from the University of Michigan.

Garry Mason, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President, International Union, UAW – Mason is responsible for overseeing the many aspects of day-to-day operations and policies of the UAW, which include working with membership, negotiations, legislative issues, etc.  He became a member of UAW Local 863 in 1967 when he started work at Ford’s Fairfax, Ohio, plant.  After returning to the local from serving in the U.S. Army, Mason held several offices and represented the members on the UAW Ford National Negotiating Committee.  In 1991, he joined the International staff and was assigned to the UAW National Ford Quality Committee where he later was appointed coordinator of quality in the National Ford Department.  In 2000, he was promoted to director of the UAW Retired Workers’ Department, a job he held until his current position in the President’s office.

Kathleen S. Neal, Director Integrated Health Care & Disability, Chrysler Group LLC – Neal was appointed to this position on March 1, 2009, and she is responsible for Chrysler Group LLC’s benefit strategy, administration and governance for the United States and Canada. She has been with Chrysler LLC for 22 years and has held a series of progressively responsible positions with the company. Previously, Neal was senior manager, Health Care Strategy and Benefit Initiatives. Prior to her health care assignments, she held various human resources leadership positions. Neal earned a master's degree in human resources administration from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Michigan. She also serves in the following capacity for two health-related organizations: Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan – Large and Medium Groups Subscriber Director Selection Council; and Michigan Health and Safety Coalition – board member.

Rick Popp, Director Employee Benefits, Ford Motor Company – As director employee benefits, Popp is a member of Ford’s Global Human Resources leadership team and is responsible for global benefits planning and governance and North American benefits administration, including benefit negotiations with unions representing Ford employees. With the company for more than 19 years, Popp previously was director of Human Resources, Ford of Mexico, and has held various HR leadership positions with responsibilities in labor relations and contract negotiations, joint ventures, corporate compensation, organization and personnel planning, organization development, and multiple HR assignments in Ford's manufacturing facilities. He holds a master's degree in public administration, with an emphasis in personnel and labor relations, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science, both from Northern Michigan University. Popp also serves as a board member for Health Alliance Plan, a nonprofit health plan based in Detroit.

Alan Reuther, Legislative Director, International Union, UAW – Reuther is responsible for supervising all aspects of the UAW's legislative program, including development of issues, presentation of testimony, lobbying Members of Congress, and grassroots activities. In addition, he is responsible for managing the UAW's Washington Office. Reuther graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977. After graduating from law school, Reuther joined the UAW's Legal Department in Detroit as an assistant general counsel. In 1982, Reuther transferred to the UAW's Washington Office to handle legislative matters. He became an associate general counsel and was responsible for handling legislative matters in a variety of areas, including taxes, social security, health care, pensions and the National Labor Relations Act. On May 1, 1991, he became legislative director for the UAW.