Elizabeth Lynam

Elizabeth
Lynam

Executive Director

Elizabeth Lynam joined PDS as Executive Director in 2024. She came to PDS from AHRC NYC where, as Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer, she managed program operations for one of the largest service providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the nation, serving 15,000 people annually with a budget of $350 million and 5,000 staff. Before that Elizabeth held high level roles in the development of policy and financial models for services, and in the administration of those services, to meet the needs of vulnerable populations across New York State.

Working with KPMG’s Healthcare Transformation Advisory Practice, Elizabeth helped lead the strategic direction for Value-Based Payment models for NY’s $70 billion Medicaid program, specializing in the areas of behavioral health, substance use disorder, long-term care for the aging, and in adults and children with special needs. Prior to KPMG, she was the Vice President of the highly regarded Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization dedicated to improving the finances and services of New York State and City government and was highly influential in shaping public policy in social services, education, and healthcare.

Betsy began her career as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in a 12-person residence and worked for The Arc of Monroe, the United Cerebral Palsy Association, and the Learning Disabilities Association Genesee Valley in various other roles. She has a B.S in Human Development from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Policy Analysis and Management from The New School.