Hamilton, NJ, June 3, 2026 — The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) today announced a major new investment from Arnold Ventures to support the next era of the Medicaid Leadership Institute (MLI), the nation’s premier executive leadership program for Medicaid directors and their teams. This support will ensure MLI’s long-term strength and reach, enabling the program to continue to meet the evolving needs of Medicaid programs that collectively serve more than 75 million people nationwide.

Since its launch in 2009, MLI has played a central role in strengthening leadership across nearly every state and territorial Medicaid agency. With new support from Arnold Ventures, CHCS will advance its efforts to build the leadership capacity essential for strong, effective Medicaid programs, ensuring that Medicaid can deliver the greatest value for the people and communities it serves.

“We are excited to partner with CHCS to support Medicaid directors as they navigate an increasingly complex policy and operating environment. Strong leadership is key to well-functioning state Medicaid programs,” said Hunter Kellett, Vice President, Health Care, Arnold Ventures.

Since its inception, MLI has supported 89 directors across 49 Medicaid agencies. The upcoming 2027 cohort will mark the program’s 16th class, underscoring MLI’s long-term impact in developing the executive skills and strategic perspective needed to guide Medicaid programs across the country.

“For more than 15 years, the Medicaid Leadership Institute has helped equip directors with the skills, confidence, and strategic perspective needed to lead complex programs that serve millions of people. This new investment ensures that MLI will continue to strengthen Medicaid leadership for the long term — supporting directors as they navigate change, drive innovation, and steward public resources,” said Allison Hamblin, President and CEO, CHCS.

With this renewed commitment, CHCS will continue to evolve MLI to meet the challenges ahead, ensuring that Medicaid leaders are prepared to guide their programs today and in the future. As part of CHCS’ broader National Medicaid Leadership Center, MLI will remain a cornerstone of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity across Medicaid programs nationwide.