A specialist in developmental and degenerative diseases, Stein Rafto promotes preventative health equity as well as access to sound medical information and educational opportunities.

As COVID-19 began, Rafto co-founded Harvard Alumni Community Helps (HACH), a University- wide grassroots initiative that harnesses the expertise and kindness of Harvard’s community to provide free counseling to alumni families affected by the pandemic. As lead physician, he recruited 150 health professionals and has dedicated countless hours to reviewing research, assisting alumni, and covering emergencies.

Rafto is co-founder and vice president of the Harvard Alumni Disaster Preparedness and Response Team, a Shared Interest Group that helps individuals and communities prepare for emergencies, responds to disasters by leveraging the alumni network, and provides post- disaster guidance. He is active with class reunions, planning wellness activities and health panels.

An accomplished athlete, he competed in six national championships from high school through graduate school. Unrecruited in cross-country and track, he won All-Ivy and All-East honors, was team captain, and received the J.D. “Don” French ’56 Memorial Award.

A lifelong Hawaii resident and committed environmentalist who is involved in his community, Rafto engages in local advocacy efforts to remove pollution and invasive species. Believing in education for all, he has regularly visited K-3 classes, coached high school athletes, and mentored medical residents.

He served on numerous medical boards, including Kaiser’s Cancer Committee and EHR Development Group, and consulted for Military Health Services Pacific.

“COVID-19 magnified health inequities. I hope to bring my ability to listen with compassion to the board.”