FLORA CASTILLO
chie, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT
(She/Her/Hers/Ella)
Before starting Pivot Strategies, Ms. Castillo held executive leadership roles over her 20-year career with some of America's leading health care insurance companies including her unique industry role as National Vice President of Transportation for UnitedHealthcare Community & State (UHC). UHC serves over five million Medicaid members in 24 states, plus Washington D.C., and is a division of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) which is a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives. During her tenure at UHC, she led innovative quality transportation strategies, solutions, and pilots to addressed social determinants of health for members and high utilizers and led to improved access and engagement for housing, jobs, health, mental health services, food services and social support services.
Flora served over two decades as a senior policymaker and member of the board of directors at the 3rd largest statewide public transportation agency in the USA, New Jersey Transit. Appointed by former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, Flora was the first Latina and youngest member of the board and served under 7 Democratic and Republican administrations.
Castillo's insights were pivotal in guiding APTA’s Mobility Recovery and Restoration Task Force, shaping the future of public transportation with a focus on health, safety, equity, and homelessness. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, she was appointed as one of 24 members to the Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in 2023.
As a member of COMTO since 1999, Castillo has actively served in leadership roles, leveraging her position to champion programs that foster diversity and inclusivity in the transportation sector. Through coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, she continues to make a meaningful difference and pave the way for future leaders.