Previous UMass Memorial Health leader comes out of retirement to join Manatt law firm

A man wears black glasses, a blue plaid suit jacket, and light blue button down while standing in front of colorful trees.

Photo I Courtesy of Manatt Doug Brown, previous president of UMass Memorial Health’s Community Hospitals, has joined law firm Manatt.

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By Mica Kanner-Mascolo

Eight months after Doug Brown retired from his Worcester-based roles as president of UMass Memorial's Community Hospitals and chief administrative officer at UMass Memorial Health, the seasoned healthcare executive has joined California-based law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.

Brown announced his retirement from UMMH in March following a 20-year tenure with the system including 11 years in his president and chief administrative officer positions.

In his new role as partner, Brown will stay within the healthcare sphere, offering legal counsel and strategic consulting on transactions, litigation, governance, health policy, and regulatory matters to healthcare organizations throughout New England, according to a Dec. 4 press release from Manatt.

“With a unique background at the intersection of law, business and policy, Doug is a natural fit to our team, aligning with Manatt’s integrated platform and adding depth to our health care strengths in the corporate, policy and academic health system arenas,” Donna Wilson, Manatt CEO and managing partner, said in the release.

Prior to his work at UMMH, Brown served as the Massachusetts assistant attorney general, litigating cases including those in health care, tax, human services, and employment. He then moved on to his position as general counsel for the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means where he acted as chief policy and legal adviser, managing litigation in similar sectors including health care reform, minimum wage, and tax-related bills.

Brown graduated with his law degree from Boston University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Boston University.

“I have long admired Manatt’s unique approach to client service focusing on the convergence of the legal, business and policy landscapes, and I look forward to leveraging my corresponding background to collaborate with the firm’s incredible roster of legal and consulting professionals and improve our health care system,” Brown said in the release.

Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.