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For some Burlington voters, Orysia Hanushevsky may have simply been a name on the ballot for the Board of Health. She secured her seat uncontested in the election on April 11 and says she hopes to use the position to engage more directly with the community.

With the large number of biotech companies in Burlington, Hanushevsky says she sees an opportunity to bridge the gap between this industry and the town. She spent decades of her career working for similar biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. 

During her career, Hanushevsky worked on projects focused on areas such as pediatrics, oncology, and rare diseases. She said those experiences shaped her understanding of how health systems serve different people.

ā€œI am a passionate advocate for citizens and community and those who are most vulnerable in the system,ā€ Hanushevsky said. With this perspective, Hanushevsky hopes to use her position on the board to put the needs of residents before anything else.

That priority will be paired with the technical responsibilities of a position on the Board of Health. Burlington Director of Public Health Susan Lumenello said board members are expected to review detailed materials in advance of meetings.

ā€œBoard members are provided with extensive and sometimes complex background information,ā€ Lumenello said. Because of this, ā€œit is important for members to know and understand this material prior to coming to the meeting." 

Hanushevsky said her academic and professional background has prepared her for that work. She holds undergraduate and masterā€™s degrees in public health and said she hopes to draw on her experience to help interpret information and contribute to board discussions.

ā€œI hope to be an advocate for our citizens because I know a significant amount more than the average layperson about what goes on in a biotech company,ā€ Hanushevsky said, adding that she is eager to serve as a link between local government and Burlingtonā€™s approximately two dozen biotech firms.

Hanushevsky was initially drawn to Burlington for its community-focused environment and as a place to raise a family. Now, she sees her role on the Board of Health as a way to contribute to that community.

Outside of her professional work, she spends time hiking with family and friends.

Hanushevsky said she wants residents from a range of backgrounds to feel heard and have access to public health resources. As she begins her term, she said she is focused on applying her experience to the responsibilities of the board.

ā€œKnowing the language, knowing the priorities, and knowing the issues that biotech leaders face are going to help me find the language and the communication and the content with which I can help serve our community,ā€ Hanushevsky said.

Jake Goodman is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story was published in partnership with the Massachusetts News Service.

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