Oregon Health Authority Welcomes New Principal Ombuds - 02/23/26
February 23, 2026
Media Contact: Amy Bacher, amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov
Oregon Health Authority welcomes new Principal Ombuds
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is welcoming Brooke Emery as the agency’s new Principal Ombuds. She is responsible for leading the Ombuds Program at OHA. Emery is stepping into the role after Ellen Pinney, who helped build the Ombuds Program, retired last December after 15 years of service.
Like Pinney, Emery brings a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to serving people in Oregon. Most recently, she served as a Policy Analyst in the CCO Services Unit within OHA’s Medicaid Division. Her prior leadership roles include positions at Lane County Developmental Disabilities Services, the Lane Council of Governments and Senior and People with Disabilities.
Emery’s career began as a Service Case Manager and progressed through roles in Adult Protective Services, Disabilities Unit management and as Program Manager for Medicaid Services. She was later promoted to Deputy Director of Senior and Disability Services where she oversaw all Medicaid and Older Americans Act programs
“I am honored to step into this role and continue advocating for Oregon Health Plan members across the state,” said Emery. “I believe deeply in the power of listening to people’s experiences and using that insight to drive meaningful change.”
About the Ombuds Program at OHA
OHA has a team of staff who advocate for Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members. These staff are called ombudspersons and they help find solutions for and report issues on behalf of members who have difficulty getting care. The Ombuds Program operates independently within OHA to prioritize member concerns and recommend needed improvements.
Backed by data
The Ombuds team records all feedback from OHP members. They track the types of benefits (like dental or mental health care) that members have issues with and the specific problem (like quality of care or billing). The program will share 2025 data and recommendations for improvements in reports to the Governor and Oregon Health Policy Board in early 2026.
Ombuds Program Goals
In her role as Principal Ombuds, Emery will build upon Pinney’s efforts to ensure access and quality of care for OHP members. These efforts include:
- Partnering with the Oregon Disabilities Commission and OHP members to improve access to durable medical equipment (DME), which includes things like medically necessary motorized wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and blood sugar monitors.
- Addressing complications with follow-up related to Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) housing benefits by working with coordinated care organizations (CCOs) to connect members to housing providers.
- Mentoring and developing a team of eight dedicated ombudspersons.
Who Should Contact the Ombuds Program
The Ombuds Program is available to OHP members who have concerns about OHP or Medicaid that they’re unable to solve with their CCO. Members can also contact the Ombuds Program to share a success.
Ombuds can be reached toll free at 877-642-0450 or via email (OHA.OmbudsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov).
Members may find they can resolve their issue before contacting ombuds by speaking with either their CCO or OHP Client Services. Members can contact their CCO by visiting OHA’s CCO contact web page. They can reach Client Services at 1-800-273-0557 for answers and other resources.
Learn more about the Ombuds Program at OHA
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