This national initiative strengthens the leadership capacity of Medicaid directors and their teams to advance policy that positively impacts the health of their states’ residents.
Hamilton, NJ, August 19, 2025 – The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) today announced that six Medicaid directors — from American Samoa, Delaware, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, and Oregon — have been competitively selected to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute (MLI). Since 2009, CHCS has led this initiative, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, providing Medicaid directors and their leadership teams nationwide with valuable training to strengthen the skills needed to lead transformational change in Medicaid and enhance agencies’ ability to serve their communities.
“Medicaid plays an essential role in impacting health outcomes by connecting people — especially those facing significant barriers to well-being — to the care and support they need,” said Mark Larson, senior vice president at CHCS and director of MLI, former Vermont Medicaid director, and Class of 2014 MLI Fellow. “Medicaid leaders are at the forefront of this work, shaping programs that touch the lives of millions. We’re proud to welcome this year’s class of Medicaid directors and their teams, and we look forward to partnering with them to support the success of their vital efforts.”
Medicaid directors chosen for the MLI Class of 2026 are:
- Luisa Kuaea, American Samoa
- Drew Wilson, Delaware
- Christine Osterlund, Kansas
- Drew Gonshorowski, Nebraska
- Ann Jensen, Nevada
- Emma Sandoe, Oregon
This class of MLI marks the 15th cohort of Medicaid directors chosen for this prestigious executive training opportunity. With this new class, 89 directors from 49 Medicaid agencies have participated in the program since 2009.
“MLI provides Medicaid leaders with invaluable training, empowering them with confidence, resources, and a supportive community to ensure continued innovation and success,” said Kate McEvoy, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors and a 2016 MLI Fellow. “MLI was transformative for my career, and I can’t wait to see where the next class takes their Medicaid programs.”
During the 10-month-long program, fellows gain skills in critical areas, including individual leadership development, communication skills, relationship-building, strategic thinking, and team development. For more information about MLI, visit www.chcs.org/medicaid-leadership-institute.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR HEALTH CARE STRATEGIES
The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is a policy design and implementation partner devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid. CHCS supports partners across sectors and disciplines to make more effective, efficient, and equitable care possible for millions of people across the nation. For more information, visit www.chcs.org.
ABOUT THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION
RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Learn more at www.rwjf.org.
