The Medicaid Leadership Institute provides a unique opportunity for Medicaid directors from across the political spectrum to develop the skills and expertise necessary to successfully lead their state programs. Since 2009, 77 directors in 45 Medicaid agencies have participated in the program.

View fellows by state using the below map. For bios, select a class year from below the map.

 

Class of 2024 Fellows

Melisa Byrd, District of Columbia

“I am proud of our partnership with providers and making technical assistance available to them that supports transitioning to team-based care and better outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries.”

Melisa Byrd (she/her) has served as the Senior Deputy Director and Medicaid Director of the Department of Health Care Finance for the District of Columbia since October 2018. In this role, Melisa serves as the principal manager for the District’s Medicaid, CHIP, Alliance and Immigrant Children’s programs, overseeing day-to-day organization, planning, implementation, and evaluation. She has 20 years of experience in health policy and Medicaid. Previous to her current role, she served as the agency’s Chief of Staff and as the Associate Director of the Office of the Public Provider Liaison. Melisa also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Medicaid Directors.

Melisa holds a bachelor of arts in government from Wofford University.


Dinorah Collazo-Ortiz, Puerto Rico

“I am proud of the organizational changes we’ve made — particularly how we’ve integrated several distinguished professionals in health and management into the team to transform the program.”

Dinorah Collazo-Ortiz (she/her) has served as the executive director of Puerto Rico’s Medicaid Program since May 2022. Prior to this role, Dinorah was the legal director for the Patients Ombudsman Office, overseeing patient rights cases and investigating health care quality issues for people across Puerto Rico. She also worked for a hospital litigating medical malpractice cases.

Dinora holds a juris doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and participated in the Faculty of Law exchange program at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. She also has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and modern languages from the University of Puerto Rico and is a certified health coach.


Adela Flores-Brennan, Colorado

“We are continually working on ways to expand and improve access to health care for existing and future Health First Colorado members. I am proud to be part of a team that strives every day to improve the lives of our members.”

Adela Flores-Brennan (she/her) has served as the Medicaid Director of Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy & Financing since September 2022. In this role, she oversees the design and maintenance of Medicaid fee-for-service benefits, and strategy and policy development on children and family health, and the CHP+ program. Adela is an experienced nonprofit leader and advocacy professional with over 20 years of experience in community building, coalition management, policy analysis, implementation, and organizational leadership.

Adela has a juris doctor from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a master of arts in international/global studies and a bachelor of arts in international relations and affairs from the University of Denver.


Lee Grossman, Wyoming

“I am endlessly grateful to lead a team with a demonstrated commitment to solve difficult health policy challenges through meaningful community partnerships.”

Lee Grossman (he/him) has served as the State Medicaid Agent in the Wyoming Department of Health since February 2023. He has over 12 years of experience in Wyoming Medicaid, particularly working in Medicaid executive leadership and long-term services and supports. Prior to this role, Lee was the administrator of Medicaid home- and community-based services for the Wyoming Department of Health.

Lee holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Wyoming.


Cheryl Roberts, Virginia

“Each day I have the privilege to inspire and work with amazing people who are committed to help vulnerable Virginians get quality health care and life services.”

Cheryl Roberts (she/her) has served as the Medicaid director for the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services since October 2022. Previous to this role, she was the Deputy for Program and Operations in the Department with a focus on population health, managed care, and operations. Cheryl also has been a health plan leader in both the Medicaid and commercial markets.

Cheryl received her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York.


Stacie Weeks, Nevada

“It’s a privilege to be part of a team in Nevada that’s focused on modernizing the state’s Medicaid program, so that it is more reliable and accessible for beneficiaries and providers.”

Stacie Weeks (she/her) has served as the Administrator and Medicaid Director at the Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy since January 2023. Stacie has over 10 years of experience in Medicaid and health care policy in public and private sectors. Previously, Stacie served as the Deputy Administrator at the Division, where she led efforts to reform coverage options in the individual market in addition to special projects, like the development of the state’s first value-based payment models for providers within managed care.

Stacie holds a juris doctor from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and a master’s in public health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

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Class of 2023 Fellows

Sarah Aker, South Dakota (2021-2023)

Sarah Aker served as the Director of the Division of Medical Services within the South Dakota Department of Social Services overseeing the state’s Medicaid program from November 2021 to July 2023. Previously, Sarah worked in South Dakota’s Medicaid program in various capacities, including serving as Director of Fiscal Policy for the South Dakota Association of Health Care Organizations.

Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and political science from the University of South Dakota.


Juliet Charron, Idaho 

Juliet Charron, MPH, has served as the Idaho Medicaid Division Administrator since November 2021. Prior to this role, she held leadership positions with the Texas Medicaid program and the Texas Office of Inspector General. Juliet previously worked in government programs and compliance roles within a community-based health plan in Arizona.

Juliet received her bachelor’s degree in public policy, planning, and management from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Arizona.


Jacey Cooper, California (2020-2023)

Jacey Cooper served as Medicaid Director and Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) in California from January 2020 to November 2023. Prior to this role, Jacey was Vice President of Administrative Services at Kern Medical Center and a health care consultant with more than 15 years’ experience in policy, operations, integrated care, managed care, and quality monitoring.

Jacey received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern California.


Dawn Stehle, Arkansas (2016-2022)

Dawn Stehle, DrPH, served as Deputy Director for Health and Medicaid Director at the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) from 2016-2022. Prior to this role, Dawn served in several other positions during her tenure at DHS, such as Policy Analyst, Senior Policy Analyst, and Director of Policy and Planning.

Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and social work, a master’s degree in public service, and a doctorate in public health.


Jennifer Strohecker, Utah

Jennifer Strohecker, PharmD, has served as the Division of Integrated Healthcare Director at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and as Medicaid Director since February 2022. Prior to this role, Jennifer served as Pharmacy Director and had oversight of the Medicaid Bureau of Healthcare Policy and Authorization. She has served as a pharmacist for over 20 years.

Jennifer received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Sciences and a doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Florida.


Gui Woolston, Connecticut

Gui Woolston, PhD, has served as Connecticut’s Medicaid Director since April 2022. Prior to this role, Gui worked in the private sector as a health economist focused on the intersection of data science, health care, and equity. During this time, he worked in various roles at Boston Consulting Group, Nuna Health, and CVS Health.

Gui Woolston received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard College, and a doctorate in economics from Stanford University.

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Class of 2022 Fellows
Kevin Bagley, Nebraska

Kevin Bagley, MBA, has served as the director of the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care for Nebraska since November 2020.  Previously, Mr. Bagley worked with Utah’s Medicaid program in various capacities, including as a coverage and reimbursement policy specialist and process change and implementation manager.

Mr. Bagley earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Utah State University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in health care administration at Central Michigan University.


Kelly Cunningham, Illinois

Kelly Cunningham, MPA, has served as the Medicaid administrator within the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services since March 2020. During Ms. Cunningham’s 35 years of working in Illinois state government, she has held a variety of leadership and management-related positions within the Illinois Bureau of the Budget, Office of the Governor, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Illinois Department on Aging, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Ms. Cunningham received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Blackburn College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.


Elizabeth Matney, Iowa

Elizabeth Matney, MS, has served as Iowa’s Medicaid director since June 2021. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Matney served as the Governor’s health policy advisor for two years and assisted the state in the strategic response to the pandemic. Ms. Matney also served as the bureau chief for managed care in the Medicaid program. Ms. Matney previously worked as a case manager at a domestic violence shelter and as a service provider for individuals with autism, both of which have given her insight into the experience of both Medicaid enrollee and provider.

Ms. Matney received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from Texas State University and a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling from Drake University.


Renee Gayhart, Alaska (2019-2023)

Renee Gayhart is the director of health care services at the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and served as Medicaid director from 2019-2023. Previously, Ms. Gayhart was the tribal health program manager within Alaska’s Commissioner’s Office, where she provided Medicaid tribal policy guidance, as well as coordination and support to division directors and key program managers to advance the department’s Medicaid Tribal policy goal of improving the health status of Alaska Native people.

Ms. Gayhart received a double bachelor’s degree in international business and political science, and a master’s degree in international relations and financial management from the School for International Training.


Sally Kozak, Pennsylvania

Sally Kozak, MS, serves as state Medicaid director and deputy secretary for the Office of Medical Assistance Programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Ms. Kozak has more than 19 years of experience with DHS, having previously served as the director of the Office of Clinical Quality Improvement with the Office of Medical Assistance Programs, director of the Bureau of Program Integrity with the Office of Administration, and director of health services for the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services with the Office of Children, Youth and Families.

Previously, Ms. Kozak led private sector development, design, and execution of population health management programs, quality improvement initiatives, care management IT systems, and predictive modeling through health care analytics. Ms. Kozak is a registered nurse with experience in hospital and community-based care, including working for a federally qualified health center.

Ms. Kozak holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in health care administration, both from St. Joseph’s College.


Lisa Lee, Kentucky

Lisa Lee serves as the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. She was appointed to the role in January 2020.

Ms. Lee has 20 years of experience within Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Previously, Ms. Lee worked in the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, where she served in a variety of roles, including commissioner, deputy commissioner, policy analyst, director of provider services, and member services representative.

Ms. Lee received a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Kentucky State University.

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Class of 2021 Fellows
Tracy Johnson, Medicaid Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (2019-2022)

Tracy Johnson, PhD, MA, joined the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing as the Medicaid director from 2019-2022. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Johnson served as the special assistant to the chief executive officer at Denver Health and Hospital Authority, and she subsequently served as the director of health care reform initiatives and interim director of the Center for Population Health.

Previously, Dr. Johnson served as the president of Health Policy Solutions, Inc., a Colorado-based consulting firm that specializes in health policy analysis, health services research, and evaluation.

Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a graduate degree in biomedical ethics from the University of Virginia. She also received her PhD in health policy and management from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.


Karen Kimsey, Director, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance (2019-2022)

Karen Kimsey, MSW, served as director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) from 2019-2022. Ms. Kimsey has over 24 years of public service with the state Medicaid program. Prior to her tenure as Medicaid director, Ms. Kimsey served as chief deputy and deputy director of complex care and services for DMAS.

Ms. Kimsey played an instrumental role in the development of the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus program, the creation of a new addiction and treatment benefit for individuals with substance use disorders, the redesign and implementation of the system that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, and the launch of the Governor’s Access Plan to serve individuals with serious mental illness.

Ms. Kimsey received a bachelor’s degree in social work from James Madison University and a master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University.


Caprice Knapp, Medicaid Director, North Dakota Department of Human Services (2019-2022)

Caprice Knapp, PhD, was appointed the North Dakota Medicaid director in August 2019 and was in that role until 2022. Dr. Knapp brings over 18 years of experience working on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in the private sector, state and federal government, and academics.

In academics, Dr. Knapp was an associate professor in the Department of Health Outcomes and Policy at the University of Florida and at Pennsylvania University. In the private sector, she served as the federal policy director for Molina Healthcare, Inc.

Dr. Knapp received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree and a doctorate in economics from the University of Florida.


Jennifer Langer Jacobs, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services

Jennifer Langer Jacobs, MCP, leads New Jersey’s Medicaid program and Children’s Health Insurance Program. As the Medicaid director, her responsibilities include delivering high-quality health care coverage for 1.7 million New Jerseyans, providing leadership and vision to a diverse team, and efficiently managing a $15 billion budget.

Prior to leading the largest long-term care plan in Florida’s Medicaid program, Ms. Langer Jacobs spent 11 years as chief operating officer at Amerigroup New Jersey. Ms. Langer Jacobs previously worked in the New Jersey Senate Majority Office on a range of legislative initiatives and taught fifth grade in Jersey City.

Ms. Langer Jacobs received a bachelor’s degree in geography from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in urban policy and planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.


Drew Snyder, Executive Director, Mississippi Division of Medicaid

Drew Snyder, JD, has held the title of executive director at the Mississippi Division of Medicaid since 2018. In this role, Mr. Snyder administers Mississippi’s six billion dollar Medicaid program and leads a team of nearly 900 employees in ensuring access to quality care for over 740,000 beneficiaries.

Prior to joining the Division of Medicaid, Mr. Snyder served as the deputy chief of staff, policy director, and legal counsel for Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, and as the assistant secretary for policy and research for Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. Before entering the public sector, Mr. Snyder practiced law in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Snyder received a bachelor’s degree in business studies from the University of Mississippi and a juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.


Stephanie Stephens, Medicaid Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission 

Stephanie Stephens, MSW, was appointed Texas Medicaid director in May 2020. Prior to this role, Ms. Stephens served as the deputy state Medicaid director, providing strategic direction and oversight of policy and quality for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), serving over four million Texans.

Ms. Stephens has over 17 years of experience in the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HSSC), having first joined the organization in 2008 as a Medicaid and CHIP policy analyst and receiving several promotions over the years. Her prior leadership roles include senior policy advisor and policy director in HHSC’s Office of Social Services where she directed the implementation of eligibility policy for Texas social service programs.

Ms. Stephens earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in social welfare, with a specialization in management and planning from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Class of 2020 Fellows
Suzanne Bierman, Administrator, Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (2019-2022)

Suzanne Bierman served as administrator of the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy, Nevada’s Medicaid agency, for four years from 2019-2022. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Bierman was the health policy director for the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, and vice president for policy and data for the Arkansas Hospital Association. Previously, Ms. Bierman served as an assistant director for Arkansas Medicaid, as well as the agency’s director of Coordination of Coverage and Continuity of Care unit.


Maureen Corcoran, Director, Ohio Department of Medicaid

Maureen Corcoran oversees the Ohio Department of Medicaid, which delivers health care coverage to nearly three million children, youth, and adults across Ohio through a network of approximately 130,000 providers. She was appointed to her current position in January 2019. Ms. Corcoran began her career in public service in 1984. Through various leadership positions in state government, she was instrumental in Ohio’s nationally recognized mental health systems reforms and other interagency initiatives that improved health services in Ohio.


Lori Coyner, Medicaid Director, Oregon Health Authority (2016-2017; 2019-2021)

Lori Coyner oversaw Oregon’s Medicaid program, which covers over one million Oregonians through 16 coordinated care organizations (CCOs). She played a pivotal role in securing federal renewal of Oregon’s Medicaid 1115 waiver. Ms. Coyner joined the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in early 2013 and led the development of the CCO quality metrics and incentive payment program.


Michelle Probert, Director, MaineCare

Michelle S. Probert is the director of MaineCare, Maine’s Medicaid program, which provides health care coverage to more than 320,000 Mainers, including almost 25,000 individuals who joined when Maine expanded coverage through the Affordable Care Act in January 2019. She was named to the position in February 2019. Previously, as director of strategic initiatives for MaineCare from 2011 to 2014, Ms. Probert expanded MaineCare’s involvement in the state’s multi-payer patient-centered medical home model to over 170 primary care practices across the state.


Gabe Roberts, Director, TennCare (2019-2020)

Gabe Roberts was the director of TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, and serves on the National Association of Medicaid Directors’ board of directors. Prior to his role as director, Mr. Roberts served as TennCare’s deputy director/chief operating officer, and as general counsel. He helped lead TennCare’s team that spearheaded Tennessee’s’ efforts to battle the opioid epidemic; designed and implemented an innovative Medicaid value-based purchasing model; and integrated the state’s delivery of long-term services and supports to individuals with disabilities into managed care.


Gary Smith, Director, Medical Assistance Program

Gary Smith is the director of the United States Virgin Islands Department of Human Services’ medical assistance program. After beginning his career in the insurance industry with Blue Cross/Blue Shield in 1985, Mr. Smith assisted a major insurance brokerage firm, Aon, to initiate operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He later assisted local physicians and the Schneider Regional Medical Center with third-party billing and collections. He has also managed federal grants through the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Ryan White and HIV Prevention programs since 2012.

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Class of 2019 Fellows
Jennifer Lee, Director, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (2018-2019)

Jennifer Lee, MD, is the former director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Virginia state Medicaid agency responsible for overseeing a $10 billion budget and providing health coverage for more than 1.4 million Virginians. She previously served as deputy under secretary for Health for Policy and Services and senior advisor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.


Stephanie Muth, Deputy Executive Commissioner and State Medicaid Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (2017-2020)

Stephanie Muth is the former Texas Health and Human Services Commission associate commissioner and state Medicaid director. She was responsible for the operations of one of the largest Medicaid programs in the nation, serving more than four million people with a budget of over $40 billion.


Rebecca Pasternik-Ikard, Chief Executive Officer/Medicaid Director, Oklahoma Health Care Authority (2016-2019)

Rebecca (Becky) Pasternik-Ikard was chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma’s Medicaid agency from 2016-2019. Previously, Ms. Pasternik-Ikard served as the state Medicaid director. Ms. Pasternik-Ikard serves on multiple boards, including the National Association of Medicaid Directors, the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, and the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma.


Jen Steele, Medicaid Director, Louisiana Department of Health (2016-2020)

Jen Steele served as Medicaid director for Louisiana, where she was responsible for overseeing Louisiana’s Medicaid program that serves roughly 1.4 million individuals. Appointed to her past position in 2016, she has more than 20 years’ experience in health care policy and public finance at the national and state level.


Patrick M. Tigue, Medicaid Program Director, State of Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (2017-2020)

Patrick M. Tigue was the Medicaid program director at the State of Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services for three years. Previously, he served as director of Operations and Strategy, Commercial Products at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island with responsibility for operational oversight, regulatory affairs, sales, and strategy for the company’s commercial product line.


Matt Wimmer, Administrator, Idaho Division of Medicaid (2016-2021)

Matt Wimmer served as administrator for the Idaho Division of Medicaid. He had worked for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare since 2008. Previously, he worked with the American Academy of Pediatrics San Diego Chapter providing countywide coordination and support for First 5 San Diego’s Healthy Development Services program.

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Class of 2018 Fellows
Cynthia Beane, Commissioner, West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services

Cindy Beane administers West Virginia’s Medicaid program. With over 20 years of experience working in health care, Ms. Beane has held various leadership roles within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, at both the Bureau for Medical Services and the Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities.


Beth Kidder, Deputy Secretary for Medicaid, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (2016-2021)

Beth Kidder oversaw Florida’s Medicaid program from 2016-2021. For almost 20 years, Ms. Kidder worked in state Medicaid programs — previously serving as Medicaid’s assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid Policy and Quality, where she led quality initiatives with Florida’s Medicaid health plans and a major overhaul of Medicaid’s rules and federal authorities.


Wendy Long, Director and Deputy Commissioner, TennCare (2016-2019)

Wendy Long manages Tennessee’s TennCare program. Previously, Dr. Long held key executive management positions within TennCare, including deputy director and chief medical officer — providing leadership and direction to all areas of TennCare operations.


Jami Snyder, Medicaid Director, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (2019-2023)

Jami Snyder served as Medicaid Director for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona’s Medicaid program. Prior to her role in Arizona, Ms. Snyder served as the Texas Medicaid director. She has over 18 years of experience in health and human services, including extensive regulatory experience.


Allison Taylor, Medicaid Director, Indiana Family and Social Services Agency (FSSA)

Allison Taylor provides policy and strategic planning leadership to the Indiana Medicaid programs. Prior to this role, Allison served as FSSA’s general counsel, where she advised the secretary of FSSA and coordinated all legal aspects of the agency’s various human services divisions, including Medicaid.


Marie Zimmerman, Medicaid Director, Minnesota Department of Human Services (2014-2019)

Marie Zimmerman oversaw the policy direction and core business functions of Minnesota’s Medicaid program and the Basic Health Program, called MinnesotaCare. Prior to her roles as Assistant Commissioner and Medicaid director, Ms. Zimmerman acted as health care policy director for the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

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Class of 2016 Fellows
leesa-allenLeesa Allen, Executive Medicaid Director, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Medical Assistance Programs (2017-2019)

Leesa Allen served as the executive Medicaid director for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Medical Assistance Programs. In this role, Ms. Allen provided executive leadership for Pennsylvania’s $29 billion Medical Assistance Program, which serves more than 2.6 million Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.


margret-brodieMargaret Brodie, Director, Alaska Division of Health Care Services (2012-2019)

Margaret Brodie served as the director of Alaska’s Division of Health Care Services and Medicaid director for the state. In this role, she oversaw programs providing health care services for more than 122,000 Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.


marta-jensenMarta Jensen, Administrator, Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (2015-2018)

Marta Jensen was with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services in various roles for 22 years. From 2015 to late 2018, she served as administrator for the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy, which provides services to more than 565,000 Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.


kate-mcevoyKate McEvoy, Director, Connecticut Division of Health Services at the Department of Social Services (2013-2021)

Kate McEvoy served as the director of the Division of Health Services within Connecticut’s Department of Social Services from 2013-2021. In this role, she was responsible for administration of medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, dental and transportation benefits for more than 750,000 Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.


richard-daveDave Richard, Deputy Secretary, North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance (2015-2023)

Dave Richard was deputy secretary for North Carolina’s Division of Medical Assistance, where he led North Carolina’s $13.5 billion Medicaid program and oversaw the provision of services for nearly two million Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.


nancy-smith-leslieNancy Smith-Leslie, Director, New Mexico Medical Assistance Division (2015-2018)

Nancy Smith-Leslie was the director of the Medical Assistance Division of the New Mexico Human Services Department. In this role, she managed the state’s $5.7 billion Medicaid program, which provides services for more than 715,000 Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.

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Class of 2014 Fellows
Stephen Fitton

Stephen Fitton, Michigan, Medicaid Director, Department of Community Health (2009-2015)

Stephen Fitton served as director of Michigan’s Medicaid program from 2009-2015, overseeing management of programs that provided care for nearly 1.9 million state citizens with a budget in excess of $12 billion and a full-time staff of 400.


Lawrence KissnerLawrence Kissner, Kentucky, Commissioner of Medicaid (2012-2015)

Lawrence Kissner was appointed as commissioner of Medicaid within Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services in July 2012. As commissioner, he was responsible for all Medicaid services, serving more than 825,000 Kentuckians, and managing an annual budget of roughly $6 billion.


Mark Larson

Mark Larson, Vermont, Commissioner (2011-2015)

Mark Larson was the commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) from 2011-2015. In this role, he was responsible for oversight and management of Vermont’s publicly funded health insurance programs serving over 160,000 Vermonters. He was also responsible for the development and implementation of Vermont’s health insurance exchange and Green Mountain Care, Vermont’s universal health care program.


Susan MosierSusan Mosier, Kansas, Medicaid Director, Department of Health and Environment (2012-2015)

Susan Mosier, MD, MBA, was the Medicaid director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment from 2012-2015. In April 2015, she was confirmed as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. She is board-certified in ophthalmology and had a solo medical and surgical ophthalmology practice in Manhattan, Kansas, from 2000-2012. In 2010, she was elected to serve in the Kansas House of Representatives.


Justin SeniorJustin Senior, Florida, Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration (2016-2019)

Justin Senior was the deputy secretary for Medicaid at Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration from 2011-2016 and the secretary from 2016-2019. In this role, he supervised over 500 employees in the administration of the Florida Medicaid program. He oversaw an annual budget of roughly $21 billion to provide health care to more than 3.3 million people.

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Class of 2013 Fellows
Andrew Allison, Arkansas, Medicaid Director (2011-2014)

Andrew Allison, PhD, served as the Arkansas Medicaid director from 2011 to 2014. Prior to his post in Arkansas, he served as the director of the Division of Health Care Finance within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and as the executive director of the Kansas Health Policy Authority with responsibility for Kansas’ Medicaid program, CHIP, the Kansas state employee health plan, and the state’s growing health care and health insurance databases.


Suzanne Brennan, Colorado, Medicaid Director (2011-2014)

Suzanne Brennan was the Medicaid director within the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) from 2011 to 2014. HCPF works to improve access to cost-effective, quality health care services for Coloradans through its administration of the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs, as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado’s low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.


Linda Elam, Washington, D.C., Deputy Director, Medicaid (2011-2014)

Linda Elam, PhD, was the deputy director and Medicaid director within the District of Columbia’s Department of Health Care Finance from 2011 to 2014. As deputy director for Medicaid, Dr. Elam oversaw the offices responsible for program operations, policy, and research, health care delivery management, health reform and innovation, and the Office of the Medical Director.


Julian Harris, Massachusetts, Medicaid Director (2011-2013)

Julian Harris, MD, was the Massachusetts Medicaid director from 2011 to 2013. In this role, he oversaw an $11 billion program that provides health insurance for 1.3 million Massachusetts residents. During his tenure, Dr. Harris successfully negotiated an innovative Medicaid 1115 Waiver renewal that gave Massachusetts authority to pursue a bundled payment pilot as well as an innovative, performance-based approach to supporting safety-net hospitals.


Cynthia B. Jones, Virginia, Director, Department of Medical Assistance Services (2011-2018)

Cindi Jones was the director of the Virginia Health Reform Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources where she was the policy lead for both the federal and state health care reform efforts. She served as the Medicaid director for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2011 to 2018.


Mark Schaefer, Connecticut, Director, Department of Social Services (2009-2013)

Mark Schaefer, PhD, was director of the Division of Health Services for Connecticut’s Medicaid agency from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure, he led an array of health service delivery and purchasing reforms to improve the care experience, quality, and cost-effectiveness for all of the department’s Medicaid beneficiaries.

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Class of 2012 Fellows
Kathleen Dunn, New Hampshire, Medicaid Director (2008-2016)

Kathleen (Katie) Dunn served two decades in leadership positions within the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. She is one of the primary architects and the founding program director for New Hampshire’s State Children’s Health Insurance Program.


Valerie Harr, New Jersey, Director of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (2010-2016)

Valerie Harr was appointed director of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) in December 2010. DMAHS administers New Jersey’s $10 billion state and federally funded Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs that provide health coverage for more than one million people in the state. Her prior leadership experience includes serving as DMAHS’ deputy director and budget director.


Billy Millwee, Texas, Medicaid Director (2010-2012)

As Texas Medicaid and SCHIP director from 2010-2012, Billy Millwee provided leadership for the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs and was responsible for operations impacting over 3.5 million lives and involving more than 40,000 providers, as well as managing a nearly $30 billion budget.


Elena Nicolella, Rhode Island, Associate Director, Rhode Island Department of Human Services (2009-2014)

As associate director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services from 2009 to 2014, Elena Nicolella oversaw the state’s Medicaid program. Previously she worked as a consultant to the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (then called Department of Mental Health, Retardation, and Hospitals) from 2006-2009.


Jennifer Vermeer, Iowa, Medicaid Director (2008-2014)

Jennifer Vermeer was Medicaid director for the Iowa Department of Human Services from 2008 to 2014. Prior to being named director, she served as the assistant Medicaid director for three years. Before her work with Medicaid she was a senior analyst for the non-partisan Iowa Legislative Service Agency, specializing in Medicaid and other human services programs.


Julie Weinberg, New Mexico, Medicaid Director (2011-2015)

Julie B. Weinberg served as director of New Mexico’s Medicaid program from 2011-2015. As Medicaid director, Ms. Weinberg oversaw a $3.8 billion comprehensive health insurance program that covers one in four New Mexicans.

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Class of 2011 Fellows
Thomas Betlach, Arizona, Medicaid Director (2009-2019)

As the former Arizona Medicaid director, Tom Betlach was responsible for the health coverage of over 1.3 million Arizonans at an annual cost of $9.3 billion. In this role, Mr. Betlach administered multiple sources of governmental and private funds and was responsible for regulatory oversight and compliance of Medicaid managed care health plans and health care providers to assure quality of care, fiscal accountability and cost containment.


Theresa Eagleson, Illinois, Medicaid Director (2007-2014)

Theresa Eagleson was administrator of the Division of Medical Programs for Illinois’ Medicaid agency, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services from 2007-2014 and held the titles of state Medicaid director and SCHIP director. In this role, she was responsible for directing day-to-day operations as well as policy development and planning for the Illinois Medicaid, All Kids, and other health care programs serving about 2.7 million Illinoisans.


Donna Frescatore, New York, Medicaid Director and Deputy Commissioner (2010-2012; 2018-2021)

Donna Frescatore served as New York State’s Medicaid director and deputy commissioner of the Department’s Office of Health Insurance Program from 2010-2012 and again from 2018-2021. In this role, she was responsible for the New York Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, and EPIC programs and for regulating managed care plans. Ms. Frescatore served as the Executive Director of New York State of Health (New York’s health plan marketplace) before returning to the role of Medicaid Director in 2018.


Darin Gordon, Tennessee, Medicaid Director (2006-2016)

Darin Gordon served as TennCare’s director and deputy commissioner for the state Department of Finance and Administration from 2006 through 2016. Under his leadership, the state’s Medicaid managed care insurance program retained control of its finances, placed full financial risk back with the managed care organizations across all regions of the state, launched a comprehensive redesign of the state’s long-term care program, and focused its priorities on improving the health care status of its 1.2 million enrollees.


Judy Mohr Peterson, Hawaii, Medicaid Director

Judy Mohr Peterson, PhD, joined Hawaii’s Department of Human Services as the Med-QUEST Division administrator in July 2015. Previously, she served as director for the Oregon Department of Health Service (DHS) Division of Medical Assistance Programs (DMAP) since September 2009. She had been at DHS since 1997, including eight years in DMAP as a manager of the analysis and evaluation unit and in research.


Michael Nardone, Pennsylvania, Medicaid Director (2007-2010)

Michael (Mike) Nardone served as the Medicaid Director for Pennsylvania, overseeing a budget of nearly $15 billion and ensuring the delivery of quality medical services to two million consumers, from 2007-2010.

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Class of 2010 Fellows
Toby Douglas, California, Director, Department of Health Care Services (2011-2015)

Toby Douglas was named director of the California Department of Health Care Services in January 2011, a post he held until January 2015. During his tenure, he managed a budget of over $37 billion and a workforce of approximately 1,700 employees. He was responsible for setting Medi-Cal policy, operation of the Medi-Cal payment systems, operation of the Medi-Cal field offices, and oversight of the Medi-Cal Managed Care program.


Carolyn Ingram, New Mexico, Medicaid Director (2003-2010)

Carolyn Ingram served as the director of New Mexico’s Medicaid program from 2003 to 2010. During her years leading the state’s Medicaid program, she made multiple program improvements that resulted in increased utilization of services, greater quality of care, and additional health coverage options for the uninsured while containing program costs and ensuring fiscal accountability to the people of New Mexico.


MaryAnne Lindeblad, Washington, Director, Washington Health Care Authority, Department of Social & Health Services (2012-2021)

As Medicaid director for the Washington Health Care Authority, MaryAnne Lindeblad oversaw the Healthy Options program; the Washington Medicaid Integration Pilot; other care management, coordination and integrated care pilots; administrative match; utilization review; transportation and interpreter services; and family planning programs, maternity, and other child and family health services.


Lynn Mitchell, Oklahoma, Medicaid Director (2000-2010)

Lynn Mitchell, MD, was the Medicaid director at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) from 2000 to 2010. In this role, she oversaw the day-to-day operations for member/provider services across all SoonerCare programs and benefit structures. She played a prominent role in national Medicaid policy, serving on the Executive Committee of the National Association of State Medicaid Directors.


Carol Steckel, Kentucky, Commissioner, Department for Medicaid Services (2018-2020)

Carol Steckel has served as the commissioner for the Department for Medicaid Services in Kentucky since 2018. Prior to this role, she was the Senior Director of WellCare Health Plans and led their development of Medicaid policy. Carol Steckel held the position of commissioner of the Alabama Medicaid Agency from 2003 to 2010. Prior to 2003, she served as chief executive officer of Survey Associates, LLC, in Birmingham, Alabama, working with senior housing market investors regarding regulatory and quality issues within the long-term care market.


Sandeep Wadhwa, Colorado, Medicaid Director and Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (2008-2010)

Sandeep Wadhwa served as state Medicaid director and chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing from 2008 to 2010.

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