Charlene Marcell Frizzera

Charlene Marcell Frizzera, 70, of Woodbine, MD, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2024. Charlene was born on September 9, 1953, in Baltimore, MD, to the late Jo Ann Messman and Robert Smith. She grew up in Essex, Maryland and graduated from Kenwood High School. Upon graduating high school, Charlene headed straight into the workforce in an entry-level position as a clerk for the IRS. A few years later, she took a role as an accountant for the Health Care Financing Administration, the precursor to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). During her 30-year career at CMS, she made important contributions to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Her positive attitude and intellectual curiosity propelled her into leadership positions across the agency, including as Deputy Director for the Center of Medicaid & State Operations, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, culminating in her serving as the acting CMS Administrator in 2009-2010. During this time she led the policy and operational aspects of CMS while executing the design and implementation plan for the recently enacted Affordable Care Act. Charlene was a strong believer in the importance of public service. She was committed to the well-being and career advancement of others, mentoring many people throughout the years. As a well-deserved mark of respect, Charlene received the Presidential Rank Award in 2000 and 2008, an award received by the top 1 percent of the Senior Executive Service in the country for outstanding leadership. Following her retirement from federal service, Charlene co-founded CF Health Advisors with her son, Jeremy Brown, continuing her passion for finding practical solutions to improve health care and coverage, especially for those served by Medicare and Medicaid. She served on the Board of Directors for several companies, was an investor and advisor to early-stage health care technology companies, and was an adjunct professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Charlene loved to travel and explore just as much as she loved to host friends and family for a home-cooked, multi-course meal. She will be remembered for her infectious spirit, her generosity, and her caring nature, always willing to make time for the people in her life. Charlene is survived by her husband, James Frizzera; her son Jeremy (Alyssa) Brown; sister Sharon (Jeff) Pearsall; stepson Corey (Melissa) Frizzera and granddaughter Carmella; nephews Devin and Bobby Smith; nephew Zachary Frizzera; and niece Natalie Frizzera. Charlene was preceded in death by husband Thomas Brown; brother Robert Smith Jr.; mother Jo Ann Messman; and father Robert Smith Sr. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shoulder to Shoulder Foundation, which supports communities with meaningful assistance to high-need individuals and their families to address immediate physical, behavioral, and social needs. https://shouldertoshoulderfoundation.org/donate/ A Celebration of Life will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Turf Valley Resort, Waterford Room, Ellicott City, MD with a program of remembrance beginning at 2pm. Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com

Charlene Marcell Frizzera

September 9, 1953 - February 21, 2024