USU Welcomes New Senior Leader to the Military Health System
By USU External Affairs
As an addendum to her new position, Mullen will first serve as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, using her extensive experience to fulfill the role while awaiting the confirmation of retired Army Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Lester Martinez-Lopez by the Senate. Dr. David J. Smith, who was performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs prior to Mullen’s arrival, will serve as Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense until Martinez-Lopez is confirmed.
“Ms. Mullen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Military Health System, with nearly 30 years working to advance various aspects of military health,” said Smith in a recent email announcement to the MHS. “In fact, she returns to us having advised the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs earlier in her career; she also subsequently managed TRICARE’s contracting activities.”
Prior to her new role, Mullen held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Martin, Blanck & Associates, a healthcare consulting firm, where she worked extensively on military health issues, including on matters related to direct care and purchased care systems for more than 15 years. Additionally, as noted by Smith, Mullen managed the contracting activities of TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s managed health care program, which provides benefits worldwide to 8 million military personnel and their families.
Dr. William M. Roberts, Acting USU President, endorsed Ms. Mullen’s new role in an email announcement to the USU community. “Welcoming Ms. Mullen to her senior leadership role in Health Affairs - the USU team eagerly awaits the opportunity to partner with her and her high-performing team!”
