Funder: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Although Medicaid provides essential health care coverage to nearly one in four people living in the U.S., few opportunities exist to develop the leadership capacity of senior Medicaid officials. These individuals provide critical long-term continuity for Medicaid programs and serve as the pipeline for future Medicaid directors.
The Medicaid Pathways Program (MPP) seeks to fill this void. It supports senior state agency leaders in strengthening the skills to effectively lead a complex organization like Medicaid and advance initiatives that improve health. MPP is designed for Medicaid leaders who are either new to their roles or aspire to advance into more senior positions.
Led by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, MPP is a nine-month leadership development program for up to 20 competitively selected Medicaid leaders. It is designed to help participants strengthen the skills necessary to thrive in complex leadership roles, deepen their understanding of the communities served by Medicaid, and cultivate a strong peer network for sharing ideas, problem-solving, and mutual support. The curriculum focuses on three core components:
- Practicing a competency-based leadership model. Participants receive expert training that follows a competency-based leadership framework designed for senior executives working in the public sector.
- Engaging in individual coaching. Coaches work with participants to craft an individualized leadership development plan that includes personal development goals and activities to practice skills.
- Applying the leadership curriculum. Participants identify opportunities in their daily work where they can apply the program content to foster their development.
Program Eligibility
Senior leaders in Medicaid agencies from all states, commonwealths, and territories are eligible to apply. MPP is a non-partisan program that supports individuals from across the political and geographic spectrum. Senior leader refers to deputy- and executive-team level positions (e.g., deputy director, chief financial officer, chief medical officer) and current or rising senior managers (e.g., bureau/section/unit chiefs, policy directors). The program is open to leaders representing all identities, including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and people of color; people with disabilities; LGBTQ+ individuals; veterans; and individuals with lived experience with Medicaid or another publicly financed program (such as SNAP or TANF). Up to 20 Medicaid leaders will be selected.
How to Apply
To learn more and apply, download the Request for Applications. Optional informational calls will take place on July 1 and July 21, 2025. Dial-in information can be found in the Request for Applications. Applications are due July 25, 2025, 11:59 pm ET.
MPP is part of CHCS’ leadership and capacity building programs, a unique series of professional development programs that support state Medicaid directors and their management teams in optimizing the performance of publicly financed care.
