National Medicaid Leadership Center

Strong Medicaid programs begin with strong leadership. Millions of people rely on Medicaid every day, and delivering high‑quality, accessible services requires leaders who can navigate complexity and guide their agencies through ongoing policy and operational change.

The Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) National Medicaid Leadership Center (Leadership Center) addresses this ever-present need. As the nation’s primary hub for developing Medicaid leaders, the Leadership Center strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals and builds the collective capacity of Medicaid agencies to lead system transformation, sustain policy innovation, and steward public resources responsibly.

Through its professional development initiatives, the Leadership Center equips leaders in Medicaid and broader health and human services agencies with the skills and perspective needed to maximize program impact. By fostering resilient networks and a shared leadership framework across state and territory agencies, the Leadership Center supports transformation that endures beyond any single individual, to better serve millions nationwide.

Impact

Since 2009, Leadership Center initiatives have helped build a stronger national Medicaid leadership pipeline, supporting directors, senior leaders, and rising professionals.

Medicaid agencies have participated in Leadership Center initiatives.

State and territorial Medicaid directors supported through the Medicaid Leadership Institute.

The average tenure for Medicaid Leadership Institute alumni compared to directors nationally.

1.7K

Alumni have participated in Leadership Center initiatives.

100

Rising and emerging leaders developed through the Medicaid Pathways Program.

50%+

NAMD board members since 2010 have been Leadership Center alumni.

Leadership Center Initiatives

Our initiatives support Medicaid professionals at all levels — from new staff to seasoned directors — with practical training, peer learning, and tailored support.

Medicaid Leadership Institute — The Medicaid Leadership Institute, made possible with support from Arnold Ventures, empowers Medicaid directors and their senior teams to guide agency transformation at the highest level.

Medicaid Pathways Program — The Medicaid Pathways Program supports the development of senior Medicaid staff and cultivates future leaders committed to improving outcomes for Medicaid members to ensure a robust leadership pipeline.

Tailored Training & Services — CHCS offers tailored training and services for states and territories, designed to equip health and human services leaders with the skills, expertise, and tools to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care. Services include individual and team coaching, policy and leadership training, organizational development, and strategic planning.

Elevating Leadership Insights — CHCS shares best practices in public-sector leadership through the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast — produced in partnership with the National Association of Medicaid Directors — and blog posts, profiles, and panel discussions featuring Medicaid leaders nationwide.

Approach & Faculty

We partner with Medicaid leaders to maximize their potential. Our collaborative approach co-creates solutions that are practical and effective.

The Leadership Center is led by distinguished faculty whose Medicaid, leadership, and organizational development expertise is grounded in real-world experience and strengthened through meaningful partnerships.

About Our Approach

Meet Our Faculty

Testimonials

Hear from Medicaid leaders how Leadership Center initiatives have supported their growth at different stages of their careers.

Anne Jensen, Nevada

Administrator, Nevada Medicaid, Nevada Health Authority

“The Medicaid Pathways Program prepared me to step into the role of Medicaid director, while the Medicaid Leadership Institute gave me the tools and perspective I need to thrive in this demanding and rewarding position. I couldn’t recommend either program enough to other Medicaid leaders.”

Brendan Donlin, Colorado

Learning & Development Manager, Colorado Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing

“Having a Medicaid-focused learning track — including the Medicaid Academy, Pathways Program, and Leadership Institute — led by experienced professionals and combined with building connections beyond our state, has been incredibly valuable to our development.”

Bambi Cisneros, California

Asst. Deputy Dir. Managed Care, Health Care Delivery Systems, California Dept. of Health Care Services

“The DHCS Academy and the Medicaid Pathways Program expanded my understanding of Medicaid and helped me grow as a leader in ways that guide how I support my team and the members we serve.”

Supporters

The Leadership Center is grateful to its supporters, whose commitment reflects a shared dedication to strengthening Medicaid agencies’ ability to innovate and improve care for millions nationwide. In addition to this core backing, the Leadership Center’s initiatives are funded through a diverse array of independent streams.

GOLD SUPPORTERS

SILVER SUPPORTERS

To learn about opportunities to support the Leadership Center, contact:
Lauren Moran, Director, Leadership and Capacity Building, .