Medicaid Leadership Exchange

Center for Health Care Strategies and the National Association of Medicaid Directors

A podcast series exploring priority topics for Medicaid leaders developed in partnership with the National Association of Medicaid Directors and the Center for Health Care Strategies through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

  1. Jul 21

    Turning Policy into Practice: Lessons from Kentucky Medicaid

    Translating Medicaid policy into day-to-day operations requires close coordination across teams — particularly when programs are navigating complex changes, competing demands, and tight timelines. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Kentucky Medicaid leaders use strong working relationships, early planning, cross-team information sharing, and practical tools to move policy priorities forward. The discussion highlights how sustained collaboration can help teams manage program changes, communicate clearly, and keep implementation focused on members and providers. The conversation features perspectives from Kentucky Medicaid leaders with experience managing policy, operations, and financial strategy: Steve Bechtel, chief financial officer, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services Veronica Judy-Cecil, senior deputy commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid directorSteve Bechtel, chief financial officer, Kentucky Department for Medicaid ServicesVeronica Judy-Cecil, senior deputy commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Turning Policy into Practice: Lessons from Kentucky Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  2. Jun 16

    Getting More Value from IT Systems and Vendors

    Technology is essential to how Medicaid operates — shaping how agencies support providers, manage complex programs, enable monitoring and compliance, and serve members. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid leaders are approaching technology strategy and implementation. The discussion highlights how product roadmaps, shared governance, and stronger contract management can help states build systems that reflect program priorities and support more effective implementation. The conversation features perspectives from Medicaid leaders in North Carolina and Alaska with experience guiding technology strategy and implementation: Sarah Gregosky, chief operating officer, North Carolina Medicaid Emily Ricci, Alaska Medicaid director and deputy commissioner, Alaska Department of Health The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid directorSarah Gregosky, chief operating officer, North Carolina MedicaidEmily Ricci, Alaska Medicaid director and deputy commissioner, Alaska Department of Health Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Getting More Value from IT Systems and Vendors appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  3. Jun 8

    The Role of State and Territory Legislators in Medicaid

    The executive and legislative branches share responsibility for ensuring Medicaid is administered effectively and efficiently. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid directors and state legislators can build productive working relationships grounded in trust, clear communication, and shared goals. The discussion highlights how these partnerships can help states navigate Medicaid’s complexity while balancing policy priorities, program oversight, and budget realities. The conversation features perspectives from current and former state leaders with experience across Medicaid administration and state legislatures: Todd Richardson, former Missouri Medicaid director, and former speaker of the house, Missouri House of Representatives Christine Osterlund, Kansas Medicaid director Pat Pettey, Kansas state senator The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid directorTodd Richardson, former Missouri Medicaid director, and former speaker of the house, Missouri House of RepresentativesChristine Osterlund, Kansas Medicaid directorPat Pettey, Kansas state senator Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post The Role of State and Territory Legislators in Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  4. Jun 1

    Steering the Ship in Transitions: The Role of Senior Deputies

    When Medicaid agencies experience leadership changes, deputy and interim leaders play a critical role in keeping priorities on track. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how these leaders maintain continuity, guide day-to-day decision-making, and support agency teams during leadership transitions. The discussion highlights how interim leaders can help staff focus on core responsibilities, prioritize near-term decisions, prepare incoming directors, and keep members at the center of the work. The conversation features perspectives from a current and former interim Medicaid director: Krista Fremming, interim North Dakota Medicaid director Jeff Lunardi, senior principal, Mercer and former interim Virginia Medicaid director The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid directorKrista Fremming, interim North Dakota Medicaid directorJeff Lunardi, senior principal, Mercer, and former interim Virginia Medicaid director Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Steering the Ship in Transitions: The Role of Senior Deputies appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  5. 07/11/2025

    Reflections on Leadership from Long-Serving Medicaid Directors

    Running a state Medicaid program means steering policy, budgets, and teams that shape health care for millions of people in the United States. Yet few directors remain at the helm of Medicaid programs long enough to witness — and drive — decades of change. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast features two of the nation’s longest tenured Medicaid directors, who share what drew them to their roles, how they approach leadership, and moments that defined their public-service careers: Stephanie Azar, Alabama Medicaid director Judy Mohr Peterson, Hawaii Medicaid director, former Oregon Medicaid director The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Kate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSKate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, NAMDStephanie Azar, JD, Alabama Medicaid directorJudy Mohr Peterson, PhD, Hawaii Medicaid director, former Oregon Medicaid director Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Reflections on Leadership from Long-Serving Medicaid Directors appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  6. 06/23/2025

    Listening, Learning, Leading: Stakeholder-Driven Change in Medicaid

    Stakeholder voices — including parents, community members, advocacy groups, and providers — play a vital role in shaping Medicaid. Their on-the-ground insights help drive policies that make the program stronger and more responsive to the people it serves. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast discusses how collaborating with stakeholders and understanding their perspectives can spark meaningful change within Medicaid programs. The episode features individuals with leadership experience in state Medicaid and at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Barbara Edwards, MPP, principal, BCE Health Policy, former director, Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, CMS, and former Ohio Medicaid director Josip Ambrenac, director, Office of Long Term Services and Supports, Utah Medicaid The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Barbara Edwards, MPP, principal, BCE Health Policy, former director, Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, CMS, and former Ohio Medicaid directorJosip Ambrenac, director, Office of Long Term Services and Supports, Utah Medicaid Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Listening, Learning, Leading: Stakeholder-Driven Change in Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  7. 06/12/2025

    How Wide-Ranging Experiences Strengthen Medicaid Leadership

    The path to Medicaid leadership isn’t always a straight one. In fact, it is the breadth of experience and expertise — spanning sectors both inside and outside of state government — that is essential to building teams with the skills and agility to manage multi-billion-dollar programs. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast features three Medicaid leaders whose unique backgrounds — in nursing, technology, and politics — have helped shape their roles as trusted advisors to Medicaid directors. The episode features perspectives from Medicaid leaders in New Mexico, Alabama, and Wisconsin: Alanna Dancis, DNP, MSN, chief medical officer, Medical Assistance Division, New Mexico Health Care Authority Mason Tanaka, deputy commissioner and chief information officer, Alabama Medicaid Agency Krista Willing, MPA, assistant administrator, Systems, Fiscal, and Operations, Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Alanna Dancis, DNP, MSN, chief medical officer, Medical Assistance Division, New Mexico Health Care AuthorityMason Tanaka, deputy commissioner and chief information officer, Alabama Medicaid AgencyKrista Willing, MPA, assistant administrator, Systems, Fiscal, and Operations, Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post How Wide-Ranging Experiences Strengthen Medicaid Leadership appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

  8. 05/15/2025

    Stronger Together: North Dakota Medicaid and Families Partnering for Impact

    “We need to tell our stories because the state will listen — they have listened.” Erin Peterson, parent advocate and member When Medicaid agencies partner with families, it brings together two essential perspectives: state officials who understand the policies and processes behind the programs, and families who offer on-the-ground insight into navigating those programs. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores North Dakota’s Cross-Disability Advisory Council — a unique partnership between agency staff and parents working together to improve programs for children with disabilities and their families. The episode highlights the value each unique perspective brings in shaping more responsive, effective Medicaid programs. The conversation features perspectives from a North Dakota Medicaid leader and parent advocate: Katherine “Kat” Barchenger, Children’s Waiver Administrator, Medical Services Division, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Erin Peterson, parent advocate and member, North Dakota Cross-Disability Advisory Council The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Katherine “Kat” Barchenger, Children’s Waiver Administrator, Medical Services Division, North Dakota Department of Health and Human ServicesErin Peterson, parent advocate and member, North Dakota Cross-Disability Advisory Council The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Stronger Together: North Dakota Medicaid and Families Partnering for Impact appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

See All (26)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A podcast series exploring priority topics for Medicaid leaders developed in partnership with the National Association of Medicaid Directors and the Center for Health Care Strategies through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Center for Health Care Strategies and the National Association of Medicaid Directors
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean

You Might Also Like