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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 112 No. 21
Two Sections
MAY 26-JUNE 1, 2021
thenewpittsburghcourier Published Weekly $1.00
ED GAINEY—THE HISTORYMAKER Stevens says people felt ‘it was about time’ for a Black person to lead Pittsburgh by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Black Political Empowerment Project Chairman and CEO Tim Stevens, for as long as he’s been a Pittsburgh resident, for as long as he’s fought the good fight to improve conditions for African Americans in Pittsburgh, admitted to the New Pittsburgh Courier that he “was wondering if this would ever happen, while I’m still on the planet.” The “this” that he was referring to was “Pittsburgh having a Black mayor.” Well, barring the overly-Democratic City of Pittsburgh somehow turning into a Republican stronghold in five months, or an Independent candidate somehow emerging from the dust to muster up tens of thousands of supporters by November, Pittsburgh will have its first Black mayor—Ed Gainey. Pittsburgh, for all its
high rankings nationally as “The Most Livable City,” according to some publications over the years, was eons behind when it came to a Black person leading the city. Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has never been an African American hub, and has less than 20 percent African Americans in the city now, had its first Black mayor in 1994, Sharon Sayles Belton. She served until 2001. In Columbus, Ohio, its residents finally elected the first Black mayor there, Michael Coleman, in 2000. He served in the position for 16 years. Columbus has more African Americans than Minneapolis, but the percentage is less than 30. Seattle, Washington, one of the more liberal cities in the U.S., elected its first Black mayor, Norman Rice, in 1990. He served two full terms. Other places across America with small Black
STATE REP. ED GAINEY gives a kiss to his mother, Darlene Craig, moments after learning he had won the Democratic mayoral primary over two-time incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto, May 18. Representative Gainey almost assuredly will become Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor after the November general election. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) populations have elected Black mayors, including Des Moines, Iowa (1997, Preston Daniels), and Tacoma, Washington (1987, Harold Moss). Pittsburgh apparently
didn’t get the memo until May 18, 2021, that it’s OK for the Steel City to have a Black mayor. Stevens told the Courier exclusively on May 25 that Rep. Gainey was aided by
his experience in the political system. He’s been in the Pa. Legislature for eight years and formerly worked in Pittsburgh’s Mayor’s Office. Also, Stevens said, “he
was community-oriented as a human being and as a politician. I think most people would agree with that. He was omnipresent SEE GAINEY A3
Cain Hayes to leave Gateway Health for CEO position in Boston The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Gateway Health President and CEO Cain Hayes has been named the next chief executive officer of the combined organization of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. The announcement was made on May 20. Tom Croswell, who has served as the CEO of the organization since it officially combined on Jan. 1, announced his retirement in late January, and will serve in an advisory role through the end of July. “On behalf of the board of directors and the entire organization, we are delighted to welcome Cain as our new CEO,” said Joyce Murphy, board chair of the Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care organization, in a press release obtained by the Courier. “Cain brings a wealth of experience to this role both as a proven leader and seasoned health
care veteran with a distinguished track record of success. His experience, values and mission-oriented leadership make him well-suited to lead the organization into the future. The board is confident that Cain, supported by our leadership team, will drive this next chapter for our organization and advance our mission for many years to come.” “I’m honored to serve as the new CEO of the Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care organization,” said Hayes, in the press release. “I have long admired both heritage organizations’ rich legacies and strong commitment to their members, customers and providers, as well as the positive impact they have had in communities throughout New England. I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead the organization to its full potential in helping shape health care to better serve
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our members and communities. I look forward to working with all my colleagues in building on the strong foundation they have created in making high-quality health care more accessible and affordable throughout the region.” Hayes joins the organization from Gateway Health, which is based in Pittsburgh. In his current role there, he’s responsible for the strategy and dayto-day operations of one of the nation’s top-ranked managed care organizations. Prior to joining Gateway Health, Hayes served as president and COO of the Health Business at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Prior to joining Blue Cross, he was president of National Accounts, president of the Mid-America region and president of the Government-sector and Labor division for Aetna. “I would like to congratulate Cain on his appointment and welcome him to our organization,” said Croswell, CEO of the Tufts Health Plan and Harvard SEE HAYES A4
CAIN HAYES, who currently is the President and CEO of Pittsburgh-based Gateway Health, will assume the CEO role of the combined organization of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, in Massachusetts, on July 5.
“Cain’s experience, values and mission-oriented leadership make him well-suited to lead the organization into the future. The board is confident that Cain, supported by our leadership team, will drive this next chapter for our organization and advance our mission for many years to come.” JOYCE MURPHY Board Chair, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care