Michael F. Rodgers
October 10, 1948 ~ February 13, 2022
Michael F. Rodgers (73), devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home in Fairfax, Virginia on February 13, 2022, after a long illness. His loving wife of 50 years, Maryellen was by his side.
Michael served as the Senior Vice President of public policy and advocacy for the Catholic Health Association (CHA) for 24 years. In this capacity, he oversaw CHA’s advocacy agenda and public policy efforts; served as spokesperson for CHA on legislative, regulatory, and other public policy issues before Congress, the White House, and a variety of health-related agencies.
During his career as an advocate, he championed the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Affordable Care Act and other legislation that helped expand access to health care for all. Towards the end of his career Michael served on the American Hospital Association’s Diversity and Health Equality Committee. It was very meaningful for Michael to live out his Catholic faith through his work.
Prior to joining CHA Michael served as Senior Vice President for American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), where he oversaw operations and directed staff functions of the Government Relations Department. During his 14 years with AAHSA, Michael developed successful legislative strategies, including efforts to restore federal funding for nursing facilities as a result of Medicare reductions in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
Earlier in his career, Michael served in several Washington, DC-based federal and state government positions. In the mid-1980s he served as the staff director of the Subcommittee on Housing and Consumer Interests, Select Committee on Aging, U.S. House of Representatives, where he assisted the Chairman with all aspects of health care and aging policy. He was a member of the senior professional staff, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging where he was the legislative adviser to the committee’s Chairman Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania. On the hill, Michael was known as one of the nicest, smartest, and most effective people in health policy.
Michael’s greatest joy in life was his family. From cheering on his children’s athletic, academic, and professional accomplishments to finding delight in watching his eleven grandchildren play together in Ocean City, NJ. Michael was an avid lover of sports with a special affection for Philadelphia teams. You could find him on Sunday’s watching football with his oldest son, Mike by his side. Michael was happiest when he was sitting with his wife, Maryellen discussing issues of the world or the latest update on the growing lives of his children and grandchildren.
Michael is survived by his wife Maryellen, five children Michael J. Rodgers (Minda), Daniel J. Rodgers (Polly), Brendan P. Rodgers (Molly), Elizabeth R. Adelman (David), Joanna C. Rodgers (Bryan), eleven grandchildren; Piper, Madeline, Finnean, Colin, Isabella, Michael, Lily, Cecile, Benjamin, Quinn, Samuel and his five siblings, Maryanne, Philip, Larry, Nancy, Resa, brothers and sisters in-law.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Money and King Funeral Home 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180 on Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace 2700 19th St S, Arlington, VA 22204 on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Relief Services https://www.crs.org.
Michael served as the Senior Vice President of public policy and advocacy for the Catholic Health Association (CHA) for 24 years. In this capacity, he oversaw CHA’s advocacy agenda and public policy efforts; served as spokesperson for CHA on legislative, regulatory, and other public policy issues before Congress, the White House, and a variety of health-related agencies.
During his career as an advocate, he championed the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Affordable Care Act and other legislation that helped expand access to health care for all. Towards the end of his career Michael served on the American Hospital Association’s Diversity and Health Equality Committee. It was very meaningful for Michael to live out his Catholic faith through his work.
Prior to joining CHA Michael served as Senior Vice President for American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), where he oversaw operations and directed staff functions of the Government Relations Department. During his 14 years with AAHSA, Michael developed successful legislative strategies, including efforts to restore federal funding for nursing facilities as a result of Medicare reductions in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
Earlier in his career, Michael served in several Washington, DC-based federal and state government positions. In the mid-1980s he served as the staff director of the Subcommittee on Housing and Consumer Interests, Select Committee on Aging, U.S. House of Representatives, where he assisted the Chairman with all aspects of health care and aging policy. He was a member of the senior professional staff, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging where he was the legislative adviser to the committee’s Chairman Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania. On the hill, Michael was known as one of the nicest, smartest, and most effective people in health policy.
Michael’s greatest joy in life was his family. From cheering on his children’s athletic, academic, and professional accomplishments to finding delight in watching his eleven grandchildren play together in Ocean City, NJ. Michael was an avid lover of sports with a special affection for Philadelphia teams. You could find him on Sunday’s watching football with his oldest son, Mike by his side. Michael was happiest when he was sitting with his wife, Maryellen discussing issues of the world or the latest update on the growing lives of his children and grandchildren.
Michael is survived by his wife Maryellen, five children Michael J. Rodgers (Minda), Daniel J. Rodgers (Polly), Brendan P. Rodgers (Molly), Elizabeth R. Adelman (David), Joanna C. Rodgers (Bryan), eleven grandchildren; Piper, Madeline, Finnean, Colin, Isabella, Michael, Lily, Cecile, Benjamin, Quinn, Samuel and his five siblings, Maryanne, Philip, Larry, Nancy, Resa, brothers and sisters in-law.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Money and King Funeral Home 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180 on Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace 2700 19th St S, Arlington, VA 22204 on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Relief Services https://www.crs.org.
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Mike was a good friend, terrific colleague and first class professional who will be greatly missed. I will always remember his warmth, grace and sense of humor. While a devoted family man and perfect gentleman he made very significant contributions professionally to advance health in America. His passion and dedication to expanding coverage and enhancing diversity and health equity will have a real impact on future generations. It was a real privilege to have known him and work with him, and I will always treasure his friendship….Rick Pollack
I believe his pix/this SMILE, tells it ALL Mike has “graduated” life What a great “honor” student Our heartfelt sympathies to nothing but wonderful memories n accomplishments. Jim n Kim Lehmkuhl While Kim never had the opportunity to meet Mike, she’s heard plenty of great stories, to celebrate.
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Michael was a energetic advocate for affordable housing and senior issues. I’ve had so many long conversations with him about critical policy issues but no conversation ever left out discussions about family that he loves so dearly. He will be missed on so many levels.
I was one of many who had the good fortune to know and work with Michael Rogers. We worked together when the CHA hired the consulting firm where I was working. One of the qualities I always admired and respected was his commitment to equitable public policy. We worked on many proposals for Congress and the regulatory agencies that Michael championed because they advanced access for all to affordable, high quality care. He had the rare gift of applying the practical and the principles of equitable policy to his work at CHA. He often quoted a saying coined by one of his colleagues—“no margin, no mission.” Unlike many along the professional roads he traveled he was unfailingly modest. He was the ideal collaborator and succeeded frequently in getting disparate interests to find a path forward. I will always remember his good humor, infectious smile and his loyalty to those lucky enough to call him a friend. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family on the loss of someone worked to lift up the lives of many who never knew him. Michael Hash