On Monday, primary care lost a great champion. Donald Ashkenase was well known to many in New York as a hospital finance expert with a long and storied career at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Montefiore Medical Center.
But here at the Primary Care Development Corporation, we knew Don as a fierce advocate for primary care and health equity. He served on our Board of Directors for eleven years and chaired the Governance and Finance Committees with his financial acumen, unparalleled wisdom, and deep compassion. Don wore his heart on his sleeve; he always shared his appreciation for the hard work of the staff and celebrated every PCDC success. Don asked the hard questions and offered sage advice not only on finance and governance, but on how to improve our health care system so that it is equitable, accessible, and based in primary care. He helped us become a better organization, to have greater impact, and to stay true to our mission of primary care for all.
Don will be greatly missed by all of us. Our condolences go out to his family – his wife Karen, his children Jeffrey, Andrew and Debbie, their spouses and children – and to all his family and friends.
Louise Cohen, CEO, and David Gould, Board President, on behalf of PCDC’s staff and Board
