Governor Wes Moore Names New Leader for Maryland Health Exchange

State of MD - Maryland has a new leader guiding its health insurance marketplace. Governor Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) Board of Trustees has appointed Johanna Fabian-Marks as the agency's new Executive Director. She takes over for longtime Executive Director Michele Eberle.

Fabian-Marks will now lead the state's efforts to keep affordable, high-quality health coverage within reach for Marylanders.

"It is an honor to announce Johanna Fabian-Mark's appointment as Executive Director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board of Trustees as our administration continues to prioritize the health and safety of all Marylanders," said Gov. Moore. "She will bring her invaluable experience and expertise to the position, working to expand access to affordable health coverage and advancing our commitment to leave no one behind."

Fabian-Marks isn't new to the agency. She joined MHBE back in 2019 as Director of Policy and Plan Management, later moving up to Deputy Executive Director. Along the way, she's helped shape Maryland's health insurance marketplace, known as Maryland Health Connection, into one that's recognized nationally.

MHBE is a public corporation and independent state agency. It runs Maryland Health Connection, where residents can shop for health insurance and find out if they qualify for Medicaid or other assistance programs.

Under Fabian-Marks' leadership, MHBE teams have worked on legislative affairs, carrier management, and affordability programs. Those efforts have helped cut premiums in Maryland's individual health insurance market by more than a third. In 2025 alone, they saved Maryland consumers more than $725 million.

"Ms. Fabian-Marks has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and an unwavering commitment to improving access to affordable health coverage," said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani, who chairs the MHBE Board of Trustees. "Her deep policy expertise, collaborative leadership style, and proven ability to deliver results make her the ideal person to lead MHBE into its next chapter."

Fabian-Marks has also helped launch some of MHBE's biggest programs, including the Easy Enrollment Program, expanded insurance carrier options, and affordability efforts like the State Reinsurance Program and Young Adult Subsidy Program. Before coming to Maryland, she worked in Pennsylvania as Chief of Staff for the Department of Human Services and as Director of the Bureau of Life, Accident, and Health Insurance.

"I am honored to serve as Executive Director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange," said Fabian-Marks. "MHBE has built a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, and service to Marylanders. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, Board of Trustees, state leaders, carriers, brokers, consumer advocates, and community partners to continue expanding access to affordable, high-quality health coverage for every Marylander."