The Medicaid Pathways Program strengthens participants’ knowledge and skills to effectively serve in complex leadership roles and facilitate the development of senior Medicaid leaders, with a focus on supporting diversity in leadership positions to reflect the communities served by Medicaid. When Medicaid leaders mirror the identities of Medicaid members, they may better relate to the strengths, needs, and challenges of members.
View participants by state using the following map. For bios, select a class year (below map).
Ensy Atarod, Texas
“I take great pride in expanding my impact across Texas by promoting oral health as an integral part of overall health and improving access to care for underserved populations.”
Ensy Atarod, DDS, MPH, is the dental director for the Medicaid and CHIP Services Division in the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. In this role, she provides clinical leadership to improve the health of Texans by delivering essential oral health services to nearly five million members. Ensy is deeply committed to advancing oral health for Texans. Previously, Ensy dedicated 16 years as a full-time public health dentist at the St. David’s Foundation, where she provided free dental care at underserved communities in high-need elementary schools and safety-net clinics across central Texas.
Alanna Dancis, New Mexico
“I’m proud to bring the voices of community partners into conversations with key decision-makers, and enact policy based on feedback from the people directly doing the work.”
Alanna Dancis, DNP, MSN, is the chief medical officer (CMO) of the New Mexico Medicaid program, a role she’s held since April 2022. She is the first nurse practitioner to serve as a Medicaid CMO. Alanna was previously medical director and a primary care clinician at the Senior Health Clinic, which is part of the University of New Mexico Hospital. She lives in Albuquerque, NM with her partner, her three children, and 25 houseplants.
Benjamin Ebeigbe, Washington DC
“With a renewed focus in DC Medicaid on outcome-based, whole-person care, I’m proud to play a key role in leading LTSS operations and driving continuous program improvements.”
Benjamin Ebeigbe, MBA, LLM, is the acting director of Long-Term Care Administration in the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) in the District of Columbia’s Medicaid agency. He provides leadership on strategic priorities for the Long-Term Care Administration, overseeing all operations and oversight functions for home- and community-based programs, as well as long-term care institutional programs. Benjamin began his career with DHCF in 2017, managing projects related to long-term care delivery system reform, including Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP), Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities Waiver (EPD) renewals, state plan amendments, and the deployment of the long-term services and support clinical case management system.
Emily Eibl, Massachusetts
“I am proud to work with a mission-driven team that strives to design behavioral health policies that improve the well-being of our members and strengthen our provider community.”
Emily Eibl, MPP, MBA, is the director of behavioral health strategy and policy at MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program. She leads the team that oversees MassHealth’s behavioral health strategy, policy, programs, and payment models, including development, design, and implementation. She previously worked on the MassHealth Strategy team and in health care-focused consulting roles.
Katie Evans, Tennessee
“I’m proud to be growing an enthusiastic team that believes in a culture of support and encouragement, in addition to being passionate about the work we do and how to improve the services and opportunities available to members.”
Katie Evans, JD, is the chief of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) at TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program. Prior roles include serving as the deputy chief of LTSS at TennCare, and senior associate general counsel in the TennCare Office of General Counsel for six years with a concentration on administrative litigation related to LTSS, provider fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as petitions for declaratory order and special projects. She spent the first seven years of her legal career at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee focusing on health, benefits, elder law, and children’s issues.
Gene Hermanson, Montana
“I am proud of our team’s continuous efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative ideas and solutions to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable Montanans.”
Gene Hermanson, MBA, is the Medicaid chief financial manager for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). In his 16-year tenure with DPHHS, Gene has served in a variety of fiscal, policy, and technology roles. He has been involved in the implementation of Medicaid expansion, planning for the public health emergency unwind, and the modernization of Montana’s Medicaid Enterprise System. Gene currently leads several Medicaid financial initiatives, including a historical investment in Montana’s behavioral health system and transformation of Medicaid payment methodologies.
Oksana Hill, California
“I am proud to be part of a team that values service, truly understands our purpose, and makes it possible for Californians to have equitable access to quality health care.”
Oksana Hill, MBA, is the chief of the Third Party Liability and Recovery Division in the California Department of Health Care Services. In this role, she ensures that Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) is the payer of last resort and oversees billions of dollars in collections from liable third parties, as well as payments to Medi-Cal providers. Oksana has served Medi-Cal since 2012, leading various recovery programs, including Tort, Overpayments, Other Health Coverage, Cost Avoidance, and Quality Assurance Fee. Across her work, Oksana strives to strengthen fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal while balancing member and provider experience.
Ann Jensen, Nevada
“I am deeply honored to work directly with members of my community to improve Nevada’s health care system. I’m proud that the lived experience of beneficiaries informs my daily work.”
Ann Jensen is the innovation officer at Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (Nevada Medicaid). Ann leads the design and implementation of special projects across the state to improve health outcomes for Nevadans eligible for Medicaid. This includes Nevada’s Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation program, which strengthens home- and community-based services for children living with serious behavioral health challenges. Previously, Ann spent five years in Washington, D.C. working in value-based care, helping more than 1,500 independent primary care physicians succeed in accountable care organizations across the country.
David Jorgenson, Maine
“I’m proud of my team’s data analytics, which provide a foundation for MaineCare to be able to give Mainers more of a chance to achieve greater health potential, regardless of socioeconomic status.”
David Jorgenson, MS, is MaineCare’s (Maine’s Medicaid program) director of Data Analytics and Rate Setting. He leads multiple units that are responsible for MaineCare’s comprehensive rate system reform efforts, fiscal impact analysis, quality measurement, and health data analytics. David also serves on MaineCare’s Senior Strategy Team, working to advance MaineCare’s strategic goals. Prior to working with MaineCare, he worked with all-payer claims databases to develop quality measures and multi-payer alternative payments models.
Eve Lickers, Pennsylvania
“I am proud to be part of the policy development that is elemental to providing our 3+ million beneficiaries with equitable access to services across their life continuum”
Eve Lickers is the director of the Bureau of Policy, Analysis and Planning in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Medical Assistance Programs. She oversees Pennsylvania’s Medicaid state plan and the 1915(b) waiver that governs the statewide physical and behavioral health HealthChoices managed care programs, as well as the regulatory and policy development for physical health inpatient, outpatient, and ancillary Medical Assistance services. During her 27-year tenure with the Department, Eve also served as an eligibility caseworker and staff development specialist.
Samantha Moore, Utah
“I am proud of the quality improvement and assurance initiatives I have implemented in our office, as well as the high level of collaboration we have with our Medicaid providers.”
Samantha Moore is the assistant director for the Office of Medicaid Operations in the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Integrated Health. In this role, she oversees fee-for-service claims processing, the emergency-only program, and provider enrollment. She also works with operational teams to improve workflow processes to ensure timely and accurate payments to Utah Medicaid providers. Samantha started her career with Utah Medicaid on the provider enrollment team before transitioning to a new position as project manager to implement Utah’s new Medicaid Management Information System, PRISM.
Kolynda Parker, Louisiana
“I am most proud of the opportunity to be a public servant who advocates for policies to address access to care, health disparities, and improve quality of care and health outcomes.”
Kolynda Parker, MHS, MLS (ASCP)CM, CPHQ, CLSSBB, is Louisiana Medicaid’s deputy director of the Program Operations and Compliance, Quality Improvement, and Pharmacy divisions. She manages operations of Medicaid managed care (MCO and dental), provider relations, ancillary services, and professional services. Additionally, she directs execution of the state’s Medicaid Quality Strategy and oversees Medicaid pharmacy operations. Previously, Kolynda served as section chief of the Medicaid Quality Improvement division. She holds certifications in Clinical Laboratory Science, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Sara Rogers, Wyoming
“I’m proud of leading a team that provides exceptional support to Medicaid members and providers across Wyoming. Our efforts truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve”
Sara Rogers is the benefits management administrator for the Wyoming Department of Health, Division of Healthcare Financing (Medicaid.) In this role, she oversees a team responsible for managing the Wyoming state plan programs, including creating policy, establishing rates, writing rules and state plan amendments. Her team oversees the state’s Benefits Management System, Provider Enrollment System, Health Management, Utilization Management, Care Management Entity, and Children’s Mental Health Waiver. Sara has served the Wyoming Medicaid program for over 26 years, including as part of the Fiscal Agent team, Provider Field Representative, Medicaid Behavioral Health Specialist, Supplemental Payment Program Manager, and Facilities Manager over provider types, such as hospitals, nursing facilities, and psychiatric residential treatment facilities. She holds certification as a professional medical coder under the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) for the past nine years.
Melanie Schoenberg, Colorado
“I’m really proud of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into our agency strategic planning process. Now, all goals and projects are reviewed from that lens.”
Melanie Schoenberg, M.Phil., is deputy director of the Executive Director’s Office within Colorado’s Medicaid agency. Melanie oversees strategy, leadership alignment, and the cabinet members’ policy and communications. Prior to this role, Melanie led policy and advocacy for a federally qualified health center regional association and a public hospital state association. Melanie was a specialist on 1115 delivery system reform waivers for California, Texas, and New York. Additionally, she has worked for the nation’s largest medical group as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt on primary care strategy, chronic care programs, member experience, and quality improvement, and served as their COVID-19 Incident Commander’s Chief of Staff.
Leslie Short, Arizona
“I am proud to be part of a division that has used grit, resiliency, and innovative strategies to ensure the quality of care for our most vulnerable population.”
Leslie Short, MPH, is the deputy assistant director in the Division of Fee-for-Service Management at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, Arizona Medicaid). In this role, she assists in overseeing the clinical, administrative, and claims functions of the fee-for-service (FFS) population, including the American Indian Health Program. This includes partnering with Indian Health Services and Tribal facilities to support care coordination within the FFS and tribal health care delivery system to improve quality and access to care. Prior to AHCCCS, Leslie worked with city government and non-profit organizations, implementing community prevention initiatives for diverse populations from New York City to rural Arizona.
Angela Smith, North Carolina
“I am proud of our work to enroll pharmacists as providers and to reimburse pharmacies when pharmacists utilize state protocols for contraception and smoking cessation”
Angela Smith, PharmD, DHA, MHA, serves as director of the Pharmacy and Ancillary Services for North Carolina Medicaid, overseeing pharmacy, durable medical equipment, outpatient specialized therapies, optical, and hearing aid benefit programs. Her work involves transformation of Medicaid managed care, defining coverage benefits, and navigation of a growing novel drug therapy market – all with the goal of improving access to equitable care and health for North Carolinians. Angela is also involved in NC Department of Health and Human Services initiatives, including enhancing the reproductive health of women through enhanced adoption of state protocols for contraception and other initiatives.
Lisa Price Stevens, Virginia
“I am proud of my ability to work with and support all divisions within our agency. My experience and education have enabled me to have a wide breath of knowledge in most areas of health care, and passion to learn more in the areas of which I am less familiar”
Lisa Price Stevens, MD, MPH, MBA, is the chief medical officer at the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, where she advocates for the underserved by promoting accessibility and patient empowerment. Prior to this role, she served as a medical director of a preop clinic and federally qualified health center, a vice-president of Medical Affairs at a managed care organization, and a chief medical officer of a value-based care organization. She authored a children’s book, “What’s That? A Tale of Cholesterol,” and is married with three children.
Priscilla Thode, Hawaii
“I am most proud of having a team who is willing to explore and take on additional tasks and responsibilities. They all work well and support each other. We work as a team to support and move the Medicaid program forward.”
Priscilla Thode is the contract monitor and compliance section administrator for Hawaii’s Medicaid agency, where she oversees medical-related contracts, including five managed care organization’s Medicaid contracts. She ensures that contracts comply with the state plan and 1115 waiver requirements. Prior to this role, Priscilla served as a SNAP/TANF eligibility worker and a program specialist at a Medicaid policy office.
Victorio “Vic” R. Tolentino Jr., Hawaii
“I am most proud of the relationships that our Hawaii Medicaid team has developed to support the various programs that we are pursuing to address health-related social needs in our state. The community we have gathered ensures that our initiatives benefit the people of Hawaii and are implemented in a member-focused way.”
Victorio “Vic” R. Tolentino Jr., JD, MPH, MSN, is the administrator of the Quality and Member Relations Improvement Section at Med-QUEST, Hawaii’s Medicaid Agency. He leads a team of clinicians and administrative staff in ensuring member access to quality clinical care and support services that address health-related social needs. His prior experience spans the fields of health care risk management, philanthropy, international development, and health professional regulation. Vic trained in law and public health and is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He enjoys traveling the globe, and has been to 171 countries and territories.
Greg Trollan, Utah
“I’m proud of the work our office and division has undertaken to advance accountability and quality in managed care. Our office is taking a concerted approach to frame up and implement a number of quality-based initiatives in managed care.”
Gregory Trollan, MA, is the director of Office of Managed Healthcare at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Integrated Healthcare. In this role, he is responsible for the management and oversight of the delivery of Medicaid and CHIP services through managed care. He is currently focused on expanding quality and outcome improvements in Utah’s managed care model. He has worked for multiple state governments, including in Utah, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Delaware, in the areas of public health, behavioral health, youth and family services, and Medicaid.
Lynnette Aaron, Nevada
“I am proud of our organization’s emphasis on funding strategies and decisions to enable access to high-quality care in the underserved rural areas of Nevada.”
Lynnette Aaron, MPA, is chief financial officer for Nevada’s Division of Health Care Financing and Policy. She leads the Fiscal Services Unit, which includes managing the Medicaid budget, supplemental payment programs, and federal reporting. Previously, she served as a principal budget officer for Nevada’s Governor’s Finance Office, where she oversaw various state agency budgets and programs.
Alexandria (Alex) Childers-Scott, Idaho
“I am most proud of the work relationships I have helped cultivate through honest and respectful communication — creating a trusting environment for difficult discussions.”
Alex Childers-Scott, RN (she/her), bureau chief of care management within Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare, proudly serves as the division’s first Black woman bureau chief. She provides leadership and oversight of contract management, including development and procurement, programmatic operations, and federal and state policy. Her experience prior to Medicaid includes long-term care, hospice, and in-home care, as well as volunteer nursing at an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.
Felmarie Del C. Cruz Morales, Puerto Rico
“I’m most proud of improving financial processes for efficiency, ensuring every dollar counts for better health care outcomes.”
Felmarie Del C. Cruz Morales (she/her) is the fiscal director for the Puerto Rico Medicaid Program. In this role, she ensures compliance with financial regulations while fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equitable access to health care resources. Previously, she was the accounts officer for the Municipio de Toa Baja, where she developed a solid foundation in financial governance to support her in her role in Puerto Rico Medicaid.
Rebecca Curtiss, Iowa
“I am most proud of applying my background as a clinical and public health nurse to policymaking in order to help improve the Medicaid program for the Iowans we serve.”
Rebecca Curtiss (she/her), bureau chief for quality, innovation and medical policy at Iowa Medicaid, oversees Medicaid regulation and reporting requirements, medical policy, and quality initiatives. Prior to this role, Rebecca led Iowa’s public health and hospital preparedness programs, emergency medical services and providers, and trauma centers in the Iowa Department of Public Health. Before her work in state government, Rebecca was an emergency and intensive care nurse, an air and ground transport nurse, and a local public health administrator.
Charlie Estabrook, Rhode Island
“I’m proud of the work we have done to improve the quality of care Medicaid members in Rhode Island receive.”
Charlie Estabrook, MPH (he/him), Medicaid managed care administrator at Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services, oversees the state’s medical managed care program. He also directs the state’s primary Medicaid Value-Based Payment initiative. Prior to his time at RI Medicaid, Charlie worked as a paramedic outside of Boston.
Alejandro Eduardo Garcia Davalos, Massachusetts
“I’m proud of my team’s successful rollout of new health plans in April 2023. Now, about 1.5 million members receive high quality care from MassHealth’s ACOs, MCOs, and the PCC plan.”
Alejandro Eduardo Garcia Davalos, MPA (he/him), director of health plan administration and oversight at MassHealth, leads the team that oversees MassHealth’s relationship with 17 accountable care organizations (ACOs) and two managed care organizations (MCOs). He also manages the state-run Primary Care Clinician (PCC) plan. Previously, Alejandro worked as a consultant, where he advised state governments on various initiatives, including operating model transformations, project management, IT implementations, and change readiness.
DaShawn Groves, District of Columbia
“I’m proud to work with a team of internal and external stakeholders that designs and implements delivery reforms supported by tailored payment models to reduce health disparities.”
DaShawn Groves, MPH, DrPH (he/him) is the special projects officer to the Medicaid director in the District of Columbia. In this role, he offers strategic guidance and operational support for the Medicaid program’s five-year strategic plan. DaShawn also develops and implements innovative policy initiatives related to health equity and value-based care. Over the past year, he served as the acting director of the Health Care Reform and Innovation Administration, leading a team focused on transforming delivery systems and infrastructure. Previously, DaShawn worked as the community partnerships director at Cityblock Health.
Jessica Hill, Tennessee
“I’m proud of TennCare’s delivery system transformation efforts, such as its state-wide Episodes of Care program that incentivizes high-quality, cost-effective care.”
Jessica Hill, MHA (she/her) is the chief of staff for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program. She leads strategic projects and oversees key departments, including managed care operations, strategic planning and innovation, and administration and talent management. In more than six years at TennCare, Jessica has led delivery system transformation strategies and managed TennCare’s Episodes of Care program. Prior to TennCare, she led a Culture of Safety program at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Sandra Kick, Maryland
“I am most proud of having led the effort to implement the National Diabetes Prevention Program in Maryland, from national demonstration to statewide coverage through our MCOs.”
Sandy Kick, MSPH (she/her) is director of the Medicaid Office of Medical Benefits Management in the Maryland Department of Health. Over her nine-year tenure with Maryland’s Medicaid program, she has led and contributed to projects relating to population health, including a national demonstration for diabetes prevention and two community health pilots addressing housing supports and home visiting. Sandy currently leads operations of Maryland’s HealthChoice managed care program, acute and primary care services, and behavioral health. Prior to joining the Maryland Department of Health, Sandy held roles in health plan and hospital management, corporate compliance, and advocacy.
Yoon Kim-Butterfield, Utah
“I am incredibly proud of our commitment to protecting and caring for the most marginalized members of our population — we constantly have those who face the greatest challenges to health in mind.”
Yoon Kim-Butterfield, MD (she/her) serves as the state medical director of Medicaid in the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, where she works to advance key clinical initiatives. Prior to this role, she was chief medical officer of the People’s Health Clinic, where she made high quality health care more accessible to undocumented populations. Yoon is a board-certified internal medicine physician and completed a clinical fellowship in endocrinology. She has provided primary care to many marginalized populations, including inmates at San Quentin State Prison and refugees in Salt Lake City.
Cynthia Parsons, West Virginia
“I’m most proud of leading a team that’s developed a robust continuum of care in our state, including a 1915c Children with Serious Emotional Disorder Waiver and an expansion of our 1115 Substance Use Disorder Waiver.”
Cynthia Parsons, MA is the director of behavioral health and long-term care services at the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services. In this role, she leads her unit to develop innovative policies, services, and programs, including but not limited to behavioral health services, substance use disorder (SUD) services, and skilled nursing facilities. Cynthia previously worked as an adult and child therapist with a focus on people with serious emotional disorders as well as those with SUD.
La-Risha Ratliff, Indiana
“I am most proud of my ability to lead and collaborate internally and externally to advance our Indiana Medicaid agency goals and improve member outcomes.”
La-Risha Ratliff, LMHC, LCAC (she/her) is the director of government affairs at the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration within the state’s Medicaid agency. She manages a team that interprets federal regulations and statutes, as well as oversees rule changes, waiver administration, managed care strategy, federal law compliance, and cross-division collaboration. She has extensive knowledge of public health and managed care from previous job roles.
Lee Robinson, Massachusetts
“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done at MassHealth to partner with our providers to restructure and expand the community-based behavioral health crisis system on behalf of our members.”
Lee Robinson, MD (he/him) is the medical director for behavioral health at MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program. In this role, Lee leads a team within the Office of Behavioral Health that oversees behavioral health safety, compliance, quality, and performance engagement. He also provides clinical expertise and strategic leadership for behavioral health policy development, implementation, and evaluation throughout MassHealth. Lee is a practicing child and adult psychiatrist, and previously served in clinical, academic, and administrative leadership roles.
Tyler Sadwith, California
“I am proud of providing leadership and instilling norms that empower staff to learn and thrive during a once-in-a-generation moment of behavioral health reform in California.”
Tyler Sadwith (he/him) is deputy director of behavioral health at the California Department of Health Care Services. He leads policy and oversees initiatives designed to strengthen behavioral health care access, quality, service delivery, and outcomes for 14 million Medi-Cal members and Californians served through other programs. Prior to his appointment, Tyler served as a senior consultant at Technical Assistance Collaborative, where he provided strategic advice and technical support to state health leaders on behavioral health reforms, and as a technical director at the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services within CMS.
Michelle Smith, Utah
“I am proud of leading my team to successfully prepare, plan, and implement Medicaid [public health emergency (PHE)] unwinding in our state, ensuring transparency and a smooth member transition.”
Michelle Smith (she/her) is the director of the Office of Eligibility Policy at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Integrated Healthcare. In this role, she manages eligibility policy, Utah’s Medicaid 1115 demonstration, the state medical review board, buyout program, as well as constituent services. Michelle has served in Utah Medicaid for over 24 years in various roles, including as assistant office director, project director for the implementation of Adult Expansion Medicaid, project lead over Medicaid implementation of the Affordable Care Act, program specialist, and eligibility worker for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and child care programs.
Jesse Springer, Wyoming
“I’m proud of being a project champion, business architect, and problem fixer for technology and business transformation in the Medicaid program through the Wyoming Integrated Next Generation System.”
Jesse Springer, MPA (he/him), deputy Medicaid director in Wyoming, oversees Medicaid policy, technology, and business operations. Prior to this position, Jesse served in a variety of policy, budget, and technology roles within the Wyoming Department of Health since 2012. Jesse has been involved in enterprise initiatives, including behavioral health reform, comprehensive Medicaid reform studies and implementation, full replacement of the legacy Medicaid Management Information System, HealthStat performance management, and new program development.
Jill Stemple, Pennsylvania
“I am proud to have expanded service access, growing Pennsylvania’s First Episode Psychosis program from two urban sites to 17 sites across urban, suburban, and rural areas.”
Jill Stemple (she/her), executive policy specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), supports policy efforts for Medicaid and mental health services. Jill is honored to be working on mental health policy as a person in recovery. She previously worked in DHS’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, administering the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and leading a variety of policy initiatives, including telehealth, and DHS’ Office of Income Maintenance as a caseworker.
Janelle White, North Carolina
“I am proud of elevating the beneficiary voice in policymaking — listening to the voices of those our work impacts empowers me to make decisions that result in improved outcomes for those we have the privilege to serve.”
Janelle White, MD, MHCM, FAAP (she/her) is an associate medical director for North Carolina Medicaid. In this role, she tackles complex problems focused on improving the health and well-being of Medicaid beneficiaries and provides clinical thought leadership to support policies focused on quality, children’s health, and health equity. Janelle co-leads workgroups dedicated to Medicaid expansion and has successfully led efforts focused on improving the care of individuals living with sickle cell disease. She also has experience serving as medical director of community health for a nonprofit health care system.
Tangela Womack, Louisiana
“I’m most proud of our team’s smooth return to pre-public health emergency operations through the Medicaid [PHE] unwind process. I’m also proud of our community partners for their member outreach to ensure continuity of care for Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations.”
Tangela Womack, MBA, PMP is the deputy director of the Louisiana Medicaid Policy, Waiver and Public Affairs division. In this role, she oversees the creation and publication of public content and submission of waiver proposals and state plan amendments to CMS. She is also the agency representative on the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Tangela formerly served as the senior advisor to the executive director of the Louisiana Department of Health. Prior to serving on the executive management team, Tangela managed the legislative and governmental relations unit within the agency.
Gwendolyn (Gwen) Zander, Pennsylvania
“This work gives me countless opportunities to be proud, because it allows me to truly impact people’s lives — one person at a time, or three million all at once.”
Gwendolyn (Gwen) Zander, JD (she/her) serves as the director of managed care operations in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Medical Assistance Program. In this role, she oversees Pennsylvania’s physical health Medicaid managed care organizations. With experience regulating and administering private and public health insurance products, Gwen ensures that nearly three million Pennsylvanians have access to high quality care that allows them to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. She enjoys developing and implementing programs that leverage the flexibility of managed care to pioneer new ways for Medicaid plans to support all their members’ needs.
Matthew Ahern, Nebraska
Matthew Ahern, MBA, MHA, is the deputy director for Nebraska’s Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care. He oversees the day-to-day operations of eligibility policy, health policy, legislative activities, and management of the state’s managed care organization contracts. Prior to coming to Nebraska, Matthew worked with Utah Medicaid and in facility and medical group operations.
Amela Alibasic, Iowa
Amela Alibasic is the bureau chief for the Medicaid Eligibility Policy Bureau at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. She leads the Eligibility Policy team and the Health Insurance Premium Payment Program. Amela has served Iowa Medicaid for 18 years in various capacities, including as a local field office supervisor and eligibility worker for Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF.
Karly Campbell, Tennessee
Karly Campbell, MPP, is the chief quality officer at TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Agency, where she manages implementation of the TennCare Quality Strategy to ensure delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care for all members. Karly manages the ongoing operations of TennCare’s value-based payment programs, including Patient Centered Medical Homes and Tennessee Health Link. She is the executive sponsor for the Health Starts Initiative, which is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive social determinants of health strategy, improving health equity, and strengthening the nontraditional health care workforce.
Kelly Crosbie, North Carolina
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, is the chief quality officer at North Carolina Medicaid. She oversees all Quality Improvement and Population Health Programs aimed at improving health outcomes, promoting health equity, paying for value, and addressing medical and non-medical drivers of care. Kelly has over 20 years of experience in government, including Medicaid and human services programs.
Alex Demyan, Arizona
Alex Demyan, MSW, is the deputy assistant director of the Division of Community Advocacy and Intergovernmental Relations at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, where he oversees the agency’s two advocacy departments, the Office of Individual and Family Affairs and the Office of Human Rights. He also oversees the federal relations unit. Prior to this role, Alex worked in non-profit management, federal block grant procurement, behavioral health operations, and public policy development.
Jessica Diaz, Washington State
Jessica Diaz is the section manager of the Strategic Design and Program Oversight, Medicaid Programs Division within Washington State’s Health Care Authority. In this role, she leads system design efforts for the Medicaid population, particularly in areas related to implementation of system design changes, obtaining appropriate federal authority, and providing oversight of network adequacy and the crisis delivery system. Jessica has spent nearly 20 years in state service, working in special education, behavioral health, and health care policy.
Sonali Duggal, Massachusetts
Sonali Duggal, MBA, is the director of Integrated Fiscal Strategy at MassHealth, and leads the team responsible for rate setting and risk adjustment for MassHealth managed care plans. Previously, Sonali was chief commercial officer at Par8o, a Boston-based health care technology company that supports provider (including several Massachusetts safety net organizations) patient referral and 340B management. Sonali also held senior roles at Medtronic, the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative, and Bain & Company, including a number of international postings.
Adrienne T. Fegans, Virginia
Adrienne T. Fegans is the acting deputy director of Programs and Operations at the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, where she provides strategic planning and development of agency initiatives and manages multiple complex projects and professional teams to meet the agency’s strategic goals. Adrienne oversees the divisions that handle health care services (managed care, dental, maternal and child health), program operations (provider enrollment, claims processing, transportation), and program integrity (provider and recipient audit).
Clara Filice, Massachusetts
Clara Filice, MD, MPH, MHS, is the deputy chief medical officer for MassHealth, where she provides clinical and strategic leadership to support delivery of high quality, high value care. In this role, she leads the MassHealth Quality Office, overseeing quality and health equity incentive programs for MassHealth providers. Clara also oversees key strategic population health initiatives related to children and adolescents, telehealth, and oral health. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences and is board certified in Pediatrics.
Jon Fujii, Hawaii
Jon Fujii, MBA, is the health care services branch administrator for Med-QUEST Division, Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, overseeing the Health Care Services Branch. He manages a range of programs, including the five QUEST Integration health plans that deliver physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports benefits for more than 99 percent of Hawaii’s Medicaid members. He also oversees the Community Care Services health plan that delivers targeted services for members with severe mental illness and the 1915(c) waiver for the intellectually and developmentally disabled population. Jon began his career at the largest provider-based health system in Hawaii, working on long-term financial planning, health plan rate setting, and managing a provider reimbursement modeling team.
Laura Goodman, Maryland
Laura Goodman, MPH, is the deputy director of the Medicaid Office of Innovation, Research and Development in the Maryland Department of Health. Over her nine-year tenure with the Maryland Medicaid program, she has led and contributed to projects related to health system transformation, population health, reporting and evaluation, among others. Prior to joining the Maryland Department of Health, Laura worked in the field of international health and development.
Nicole Harris, Pennsylvania
Nicole Harris is the executive director of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, where she supports providing quality and affordable health care coverage to thousands of children across the state. Prior to this role, she served as a human services program specialist at Pennsylvania CHIP, and before that as an income maintenance caseworker in Philadelphia.
Dezeree Hodish, Rhode Island
Dezeree Hodish, MA, is the assistant director of Medicaid finance at Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services. In this role, she oversees fee-for-service rate-setting activities and supports development and implementation of Medicaid finance and policy initiatives. Prior to this role, Dezeree worked in finance, policy, and project management positions at Rhode Island’s Office of Management and Budget, Department of Corrections, and the Kansas Legislative Research Department.
DoQuyen Huynh, Washington State
DoQuyen Huynh, DNP, FNP, ARNP, FAAN, serves as the inaugural manager of Health Equity, Social Justice, and Strategy at Washington State’s Health Care Authority. Prior to this role, DoQuyen was a family nurse practitioner serving under-resourced, underserved, and immigrant communities in the greater Seattle area for nearly 15 years. DoQuyen also has 10 years of experience in health care workforce development and academia.
Shanique McGowan, New Jersey
Shanique McGowan, MSW, is a behavioral health policy specialist in the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services at the New Jersey Department of Human Services. In this role, she leads various interagency collaborations to address behavioral health needs within the NJ Medicaid population. She also plays a key role in the design, operation, and development of the comprehensive autism benefit program and coordinates the work of multiple departments to implement, monitor, and report on various components of the NJ FamilyCare 1115 Demonstration. Shanique is also a licensed clinical social worker.
Kera Oestreich, Iowa
Kera Oestreich, MS, is the bureau chief of Medicaid Contracting and Procurement at Iowa Medicaid within Iowa Heath and Human Services. She leads a team of contract and procurement managers with the overall responsibility of Medicaid managed care, professional service and system procurements, contract development and oversight, vendor management, and coordination of communication. Prior to this role, Kera served as a contract manager for multiple Iowa Medicaid professional service contracts and before that worked directly with Iowans accessing home- and community-based services and supports.
Ryan Van Ramshorst, Texas
Ryan Van Ramshorst, MD, MPH, is the chief medical director for the Medicaid and CHIP Services Division at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A general pediatrician by training, he serves as the lead physician for the Texas Medicaid program, which provides health care services to over five million Texans. He supervises the Office of the Medical Director, which is responsible for providing clinical direction and oversight of managed care and fee-for-service programs.
Molly Slotznick, Maine
Molly Slotznick, MPA, is the chief operating officer for the Office of MaineCare Services, Maine’s Medicaid agency. Her responsibilities include defining and executing Maine’s long-term strategy for its Medicaid Enterprise System while also leading large-scale implementations that expand services for Mainers and promote compliance with federal regulations. Prior to this role, Molly worked in strategy and operations consulting for state health and human services agencies and public sector work related to food and nutrition insecurity and climate change resilience, including experience living and working abroad.
Kendra Lee Snuffer, Pennsylvania
Kendra Lee Snuffer, MPA, is the chief of staff for the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. In this role, she directs and coordinates behavioral health efforts among Pennsylvania’s various health-related agencies. Kendra Lee is currently leading efforts to enhance and unify crisis services across Pennsylvania’s county-run behavioral health system.
Nonis Spinner, Indiana
Nonis Spinner is the director of eligibility and member services at the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration within the Indiana Medicaid agency. She oversees a team of policy analysts who interpret federal regulations and statutes for workers and members across the state and manages a team of member services analysts who troubleshoot Medicaid eligibility issues. Nonis also advises the technical teams that support eligibility determination and benefit management for over two million Hoosiers who rely on Indiana’s Medicaid programs for their health care coverage.
Olivia Alford , Maine
Olivia Alford, MPH, is the director of delivery system reform for the Office of MaineCare Services, Maine’s Medicaid agency. She oversees three Health Home programs, the Accountable Communities program, and the primary care case management program. Previously, Olivia was state plan manager in the Office of MaineCare Services, serving as the main point of contact with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ regional office.
Katie Alijewicz, Rhode Island
Katie Alijewicz, MPP, is the deputy director of finance for the Rhode Island Medicaid Program. She manages a team in producing the state’s biannual Caseload Estimating Conference Testimony, a document on the Medicaid budget. In addition, she oversees the state’s budget development process for Medicaid and the annual MCO rate setting process. Prior to this role, Katie was appointed Medicaid chief financial officer, a newly created position, by the Medicaid director at that time.
Cristen Bates, Colorado
Cristen Bates, MPH, is the Population Health Division director at the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. She is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of new behavioral health and maternal and child health programs and related coverage or benefits expansions. This includes acting as the Department lead on behavioral health reform and oversight of the American Rescue Plan recovery funds for behavioral health programs. Prior to this position, Cristen served as the director of strategy, communications, and policy for the Office of Behavioral Health.
John Boney, Massachusetts
John Boney, MS, is the director of the Analytics Unit for MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program. He leads a team that includes analysts, managers, and a project manager in delivering valuable reporting, analysis, and insight into MassHealth programs. Previously, John served as a founding member of the analytics team in 2013.
Libby Bünzli, Rhode Island
Libby Bünzli, MPH, is the director of health system transformation in the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services. She leads the state Medicaid program’s value-based payment initiative. Previously, Libby gained experience providing direct case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
Phillip Burrell, Nevada
Phillip Burrell, MHA, M.Eng, serves as the fiscal deputy administrator for the state of Nevada. He focuses on fiscal oversight and management of the Medicaid budget and program innovations to improve the health care system of the state. Previously, Phillip served as director for the Pennsylvania Hospital Association, leading efforts in health policy and advocacy for more than 250 hospitals and health systems.
Jamye Chapman, Wisconsin
Jamye Chapman is the senior executive equity advisor at the Department of Health Services (DHS) within the Wisconsin Division of Medicaid Services. He is responsible for formulating, determining, and implementing innovative policy initiatives with a focus on health equity for the Wisconsin Medicaid program. Mr. Chapman is also responsible for developing and implementing policies to address identified health disparities in the program. Previously, Jamye served as the equity and inclusion plan lead at the Wisconsin DHS, where he coordinated and implemented equity and inclusion initiatives that support the agency’s equity goals.
Mohammad Dar, Massachusetts
Mohammad Dar, MD, serves as the senior medical director for Payment Care Delivery Innovation at MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program. He leads the clinical team focused on delivery system reforms to further the 1M+ MassHealth program’s focus on population health and accountable care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mohammad served as Acting Senior Medical Director for Special COVID-19 projects, where he set up systems to improve infection control protocols at nursing homes across Massachusetts and was the clinical lead for the statewide vaccination program for those homebound.
Jennifer Dudinskie, Kentucky
Jennifer Dudinskie is the director of the Division of Program Integrity at the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. She provides direct supervision for two assistant directors, Medicaid services specialists, and administrative assistants. Jennifer began her career in the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services as a Medicaid Services Specialist I in the Division of Program Integrity, where she assisted in Surveillance and Utilization Review, specific to member fraud, waste, and abuse.
Dana Flannery, Arizona
Dana Flannery serves as the senior policy advisor to the director and assistant director of the Division of Community Advocacy and Intergovernmental Relations at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). She serves as a conduit between the agency’s divisions and the executive team and oversees the AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs, the Office of Human Rights, the agency’s intergovernmental/tribal relations and communications team, and several other committees and councils. Previously, Dana was bureau chief of AHCCCS, where she developed individual and systemic advocacy approaches for persons living with serious mental illness, evolved the peer and family career academy to allow for advancement in peer support careers, and developed curriculum for advocacy trainings.
Krista Fremming, North Dakota
Krista Fremming, MPA, is the assistant director of the Medical Services Division at the North Dakota Department of Human Services. She oversees Medicaid expansion, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Primary Care Case Management Program, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and 1915(i) state plan amendment for community-based behavioral health services. Previously, Krista held positions in various areas of public health, including comprehensive cancer control, tobacco prevention and control, and coordinated chronic disease prevention.
Lee Grossman, Wyoming
Lee Grossman, MPA, is the administrator of Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) for the Wyoming Department of Health. He directs Wyoming’s Medicaid waiver programs serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Prior to this position, Lee was the developmental disabilities section administrator for the Wyoming Department of Health, where he managed the Medicaid HCBS delivery system for individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.
Anthony Newman, Alaska
Anthony Newman, MPA, serves as the deputy director for the division of senior and disabilities services at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. He oversees the range of programs and staff serving individuals with disabilities from infancy through adulthood, including the state’s Medicaid home- and community-based waiver programs. Prior to his current position, Anothony served for 18 years in various capacities within the department, where he was integral in facilitating initiatives such as the passage of comprehensive Medicaid reform legislation.
Lisa Pera, Colorado
Lisa Pera is the deputy eligibility division director for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. She is involved in all aspects of Medicaid eligibility, and works closely with multiple internal and external teams to ensure accuracy in eligibility determinations. Prior to her current position, Lisa was the director of health center operations/senior director of patient services of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains where she led the Operations team in its growth and development, including hiring, onboarding, and coaching of regional and health center managers, and oversaw continuous health center improvements.
Laura Phelan, Illinois
Laura Phelan, MPA, serves as the policy director for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), the state’s Medicaid agency. Prior to her current role, She served in the HFS Bureau of Managed Care as a Medicaid managed care organization account manager and as the program manager for the state’s Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Initiative demonstration. Laura previously served as the policy director for Get Covered Illinois, a senior health policy advisor for the Illinois Department of Insurance, and a presidential management fellow and budget analyst within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources.
Katherine Rogers, District of Columbia
Katherine Rogers, PhD, MPH, is the program manager, long-term care operations and special projects officer at the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), Government of the District of Columbia. She currently oversees day-to-day operations of the Medicaid long-term services and supports system for both Medicaid home- and community-based waiver services and state plan long-term services and supports. Previously, Katherine managed the in-house analytics and research team at DHCF and has overseen grant-funded programs and federal contracts supporting programs serving an array of populations.
Emma Sandoe, North Carolina
Emma Sandoe, PhD, MPH, is the associate director of strategy and planning at the Medicaid Department within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. She focuses on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment, long-term services and supports, health equity, and issues for people dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Previously, Emma spent six years in Washington, D.C. working on the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She served as the spokesperson for Medicaid and HealthCare.gov at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and worked on ACA coordination at the Department of Health and Human Services Budget Office.
Eugene Simms, District of Columbia
Eugene Simms, JD, is the special assistant to the director of the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) in Washington, D.C. He advises the director on major policy and budget issues related to DHCF’s health care programs. Previously, Eugene was the associate director for the DHCF’s Health Care Policy and Research Administration, Division of Regulations and Policy Management, where he served as a supervisory analyst responsible for management of the Division of Regulation and Policy Management.
Ranjani Starr, Hawaii
Ranjani Starr, PhD, MPH, serves as the Hawaii Medicaid Agency’s health analytics and informatics administrator, overseeing the agency’s Health Analytics Office. She centralizes and consolidates key analytic functions of the Medicaid program, serves as the steward of the statewide All Payer Claims Data warehouse, and oversees all research, evaluation, and data dissemination. Previously, Ranjani managed an office that was responsible for all chronic disease surveillance, epidemiology, and evaluation for the state of Hawaii, including all public health surveys administered by the Department of Health.
Lauryn Walker, North Carolina
Lauryn Walker, PhD, MPH, is a senior consultant in the Office of the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Actuary at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services where she provides strategic guidance and operational support to the agency in their transition into managed care as well as initiatives for special populations, such as those with behavioral health needs or involved in the child welfare system. Prior to her current role, Lauryn served as the senior advisor to the chief deputy and chief health economist for the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services where she worked on numerous agency priorities, including payment policies to support providers during the pandemic, vaccination efforts, and the merging of two population-based Medicaid programs into a single program.
