PHOENIX – Arizona’s Medicaid agency and State Behavioral Health Authority, the Arizona Health Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), is proud to announce that Carmen Heredia, AHCCCS director, is one of six Medicaid directors chosen to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute (MLI), a national initiative led by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The program offers Medicaid directors and their leadership teams valuable training to enhance the skills and expertise necessary to successfully lead their Medicaid programs, impact key health outcomes, and advance health equity.
“I am honored to be selected for the Medicaid Leadership Institute. This opportunity will bring national exposure to the impressive work of AHCCCS, allow us to collaborate with Medicaid leadership from other states, and further enhance my skills as we drive innovation and improve health outcomes for the millions of individuals who rely on Medicaid,” Heredia said. “Our goal is to continue building a model Medicaid program here in Arizona, and to ensure that our members have access to the care and services they need to thrive.”
Heredia was competitively selected to participate in the leadership development program along with five additional Medicaid directors from: Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
“Medicaid directors and their leadership teams have a unique opportunity to advance health equity across the nation by ensuring millions of people who use Medicaid can access care and services critical to their health and well-being,” said Aingyea Fraser, program officer, RWJF. “By investing in the development of these state leaders, we seek to support drivers of change who can generate innovation in a program essential for those facing significant social, economic, and other barriers to health.”
This new class of the Medicaid Leadership Institute marks the 14th group of Medicaid directors chosen for this prestigious executive training opportunity. With this new class, 83 directors from 47 Medicaid agencies have participated in the program since 2009. It is directed by Mark Larson, senior vice president at CHCS, former Vermont Medicaid director, and Class of 2014 MLI Fellow.
“Medicaid programs ensure access to crucial health services, particularly for those who face significant barriers to well-being, and Medicaid leaders play an essential role in driving its success,” said Larson. “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of dedicated Medicaid directors and their teams, and look forward to working with them over the next year as they lead their programs, which are so important to the well-being of millions of people across the nation.”
“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.
