Shannon Martley Picozzi
Shannon Martley Picozzi is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse roles in the industry. She began her career in healthcare group purchasing with the organization now known as Vizient, and subsequently held positions at Brown University Medical School, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, and CVS Health, where she served as a Benefit Account Manager and contributed to the Pharmacy Professional Practice team. Today, Shannon applies her expertise in government affairs at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, where she manages state, federal, and regulatory initiatives while supporting executive leadership in aligning complex organizational priorities. Her work bridges multiple functional areas, ensuring that healthcare access and policy advocacy positively impact Rhode Islanders.
A committed advocate and community steward, Shannon’s professional philosophy centers on collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning. She has co-chaired her organization’s Employee Experience Workgroup for three years, fostering engagement and innovation across teams. Shannon also leverages her communication and policy expertise to educate and empower stakeholders, drawing on her experience in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory affairs. Her approach is guided by a focus on tangible outcomes, whether influencing legislation, navigating regulatory changes, or advancing initiatives that enhance healthcare access and equity.
Beyond her corporate career, Shannon has a lifelong dedication to education and mentoring. She previously taught dance and theater, and continues to engage in community arts and education, including creating and hosting a local podcast. A first-generation college graduate, Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts from Providence College and a legal assistant/paralegal certification from Boston University. Grounded in facts, driven by purpose, and focused on progress, she combines professional rigor with a deep commitment to service and community impact.
• IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction
• IS-275 Role of the Emergency Operations Center In Community Preparedness, Response, & Recovery
• I-200 Basic Incident Command System for Federal Disaster Workers
• ICS 100 Incident Command System
• Paralegal Certification
• Providence College - BA
• Employee Experience workgroup
• Dance and theater teaching
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother, whose resilience and work ethic showed me what’s possible when you work hard and believe in yourself. Being the first woman in my family to graduate from college was inspired by her example and continues to guide me in all I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay true to yourself. I practice yoga, and one lesson it teaches is to focus on your own mat—your own journey. In today’s world, with so many voices around us from colleagues, social media, friends, and family, it can be challenging to know which voice is your own. It’s important to listen to your inner guidance, seek mentorship, and learn from others, but ultimately trust your own voice in charting your path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to think beyond the immediate future. Visualize your long-term goals like a game board and work backward to identify the milestones that will get you there. While you may not hit every milestone on your preferred timeline, having a plan and connecting with the right people along the way is essential. Stay open-minded, because everyone has a story to share and lessons to teach—we’re never done learning.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is access to healthcare, which has never been more critical. What drives me is knowing that my work contributes to creating a stronger community and improving access to care. It’s a challenge, but I’m committed to being an effective advocate and steward for the people I serve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, trust, and loyalty. They guide everything I do, which is why I highlight them on my LinkedIn profile and resume. Beyond these core values, my family is a tremendous source of inspiration. Seeing my brother power through his battle with testicular cancer has been deeply motivating, and engaging with the next generation—including my own children in the workforce—keeps me learning and growing alongside them.
Locations
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Attleboro Falls, MA 02763