This national initiative equips Medicaid directors and their teams with the leadership skills and connections needed to shape effective policy and strengthen Medicaid programs.
Hamilton, NJ, August 18, 2026 – The Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) National Medicaid Leadership Center today announced that six Medicaid directors from Alaska, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, and North Carolina have been selected to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute (MLI). The selections were made through a competitive process informed by an external review committee. The program helps Medicaid directors and their leadership teams build the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to lead their agencies and advance key policy priorities.
Medicaid directors chosen for the MLI Class of 2027 are:
- Emily Ricci, Alaska
- Laura Phelan, Illinois
- Seth Gold, Louisiana
- Joshua Moore, Missouri
- Amir Bassiri, New York
- Melanie Bush, North Carolina
“Strong Medicaid programs depend on leaders who make informed decisions, manage change efficiently, and build organizations that effectively serve the people who rely on Medicaid,” said Allison Hamblin, MSPH, President and CEO, CHCS. “The Medicaid Leadership Institute is an investment in strengthening long-term leadership capacity and shaping the future of Medicaid.”
This class of MLI marks the 16th cohort of Medicaid directors chosen for this prestigious executive training opportunity. With this new class, 95 directors from 50 Medicaid agencies have participated in the program since 2009.
“At a time of significant change and growing complexity, Medicaid leaders play a critical role in ensuring that millions of people can access the care and services they depend on,” said Mark Larson, Senior Vice President at CHCS, former Vermont Medicaid director, and a 2014 MLI Fellow. “The Medicaid Leadership Institute provides directors with a unique opportunity to develop as leaders, gain new perspectives, and learn from peers facing similar challenges across the country. We are thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort and support their efforts to strengthen Medicaid programs and improve care for the communities they serve.”
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. MLI is supported by Arnold Ventures. It is an initiative of the National Medicaid Leadership Center. For more information about MLI, visit www.chcs.org/medicaid-leadership-institute.
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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.
The National Medicaid Leadership Center, led by CHCS, is the nation’s primary hub for developing Medicaid leaders. The Leadership Center equips Medicaid and health and human services leaders with the skills, perspectives, and networks needed to strengthen policies and programs, advance innovation, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more at www.chcs.org.
ABOUT ARNOLD VENTURES
Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms, AV works to improve the lives of American families, strengthen communities, and promote economic opportunity. Learn more at www.arnoldventures.org.
