Denise J. Lewis Appointed Chairperson of UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust.

Denise J. Lewis Appointed Chairperson of UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust

Denise J. Lewis has been named Chairperson of the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust Board, succeeding founding member Robert Naftaly, who played a key role in establishing the Trust. This appointment marks a new chapter in leadership for the organization, which serves as a vital health care provider for over 530,000 UAW retirees and their families.

Lewis joined the Trust’s Board of Trustees in January 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in governance, financial management, and compliance. Her leadership has been instrumental in overseeing audits, budgets, and risk management, ensuring the Trust’s financial health and sustainability. As a member of the Audit and Budget Subcommittee, she has strengthened internal controls and helped navigate complex financial challenges, reinforcing the Trust’s ability to deliver on its mission.

The Trust, founded in 2010 as part of the 2007 contract negotiations between the UAW and Detroit’s Big Three automakers, manages $60.5 billion in assets and spends approximately $3 billion annually on health benefits. It is the largest non-governmental provider of retiree health care in the United States. Its formation during the economic turbulence of the late 2000s was a forward-thinking initiative to secure health care for retirees whose benefits might have otherwise been jeopardized.

Lewis’s professional background further underscores her readiness for this critical role. As a retired Senior Partner and former Board Member of Honigman LLP, Michigan’s largest law firm, she built a distinguished career in corporate governance and finance. Her accolades, including recognition by Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA, highlight her expertise. With degrees from Barnard College, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan Law School, her academic and professional achievements reflect her exceptional qualifications.

Beyond her legal career, Lewis is deeply committed to civic and cultural leadership in Detroit. She has served as Chair of Wayne State University’s Board of Governors, held board positions with area hospitals, and currently supports institutions like the Detroit Opera and the Motown Museum. Her work with the Wayne State University Foundation’s Investment Committee emphasizes strategies that balance financial health with community impact.

Jessica Gubing, the Trust’s CEO, praised Lewis’s appointment, calling her “an invaluable voice for UAW retirees.” Gubing emphasized Lewis’s ability to advance the Trust’s mission of providing quality health care while safeguarding its long-term viability.

As a Black woman leading an influential organization, Lewis’s appointment is a significant milestone in representation and equity. Her leadership reflects Detroit’s history of labor activism and the ongoing fight for economic and social justice. She embodies the principle that health care is not a luxury but a right earned through years of work.

For retirees and their families, this transition in leadership signals confidence in the Trust’s future. Lewis’s experience and vision ensure that the organization remains committed to protecting benefits, enhancing the quality of life, and maintaining financial stewardship. Her appointment not only honors the legacy of Robert Naftaly but also sets a bold course for the Trust’s next chapter, with a focus on equity, accountability, and sustainability.

Lewis’s leadership symbolizes advocacy and stewardship in action. As the Trust navigates the evolving health care landscape, she is well-positioned to meet the challenges ahead with integrity and care, ensuring a secure future for UAW retirees.

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