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.
Leading as a Team: Building Strong Medicaid Senior Leadership
Aug 12, 2026
Show notes
Leading a Medicaid agency requires more than one strong leader — it requires a leadership team that can navigate complexity, connect decisions across program and functional areas, and maintain momentum amid competing demands. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how senior leadership teams can strengthen their collective capacity to address challenges together. The discussion highlights how effective teams establish shared ownership, resolve challenges without relying on one person to drive decisions, and build the trust needed to raise concerns early and work through difficult issues together.
The conversation features perspectives from:
Bill Hanna, former Wisconsin Medicaid Director, Practice Director, ATI Advisory
Sally Kozak, Pennsylvania Medicaid Director
Emily Zalkovsky, former Texas 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 and made possible 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 director
Bill Hanna, former Wisconsin Medicaid Director, Practice Director, ATI Advisory
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.
About the National Medicaid Leadership Center
The Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
Leading with Lived Experience: Lessons from Medicaid Leaders
Jul 30, 2026
Show notes
For some Medicaid leaders, Medicaid and CHIP are not only programs they oversee — they are systems they have experienced firsthand. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how leaders in Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Oregon draw on their personal experiences to expand access, make services easier to navigate, and keep people at the center of policy and program decisions.
The conversation features perspectives from:
Nicole Harris, executive director, Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program
Martijn van Beek, quality director, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Rachel Calloway, chief of staff, Oregon Health Authority
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 director
Nicole Harris, executive director, Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program
Martijn van Beek, quality director, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Rachel Calloway, chief of staff, Oregon Health Authority
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.
About the National Medicaid Leadership Center
The Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
Turning Policy into Practice: Lessons from Kentucky Medicaid
Jul 21, 2026
Show notes
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 director
Steve Bechtel, chief financial officer, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
Veronica Judy-Cecil, senior deputy commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
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.
About the National Medicaid Leadership Center
The Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
Getting More Value from IT Systems and Vendors
Jun 16, 2026
Show notes
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 director
Sarah Gregosky, chief operating officer, North Carolina Medicaid
Emily Ricci, Alaska Medicaid director and deputy commissioner, Alaska Department of Health
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.
About the National Medicaid Leadership Center
The Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
The Role of State and Territory Legislators in Medicaid
Jun 08, 2026
Show notes
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 director
Todd Richardson, former Missouri Medicaid director, and former speaker of the house, Missouri House of Representatives
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.
About the National Medicaid Leadership Center
The Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
Steering the Ship in Transitions: The Role of Senior Deputies
Jun 01, 2026
Show notes
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 director
Krista Fremming, interim North Dakota Medicaid director
Jeff Lunardi, senior principal, Mercer, and former interim Virginia Medicaid director
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.
About the National Medicaid Leadership Center
The Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
Reflections on Leadership from Long-Serving Medicaid Directors
Jul 11, 2025
Show notes
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, CHCS
Kate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, NAMD
Stephanie Azar, JD, Alabama Medicaid director
Judy Mohr Peterson, PhD, Hawaii Medicaid director, former Oregon Medicaid director
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.
Listening, Learning, Leading: Stakeholder-Driven Change in Medicaid
Jun 23, 2025
Show notes
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, CHCS
Jami 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 director
Josip Ambrenac, director, Office of Long Term Services and Supports, Utah Medicaid
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.
How Wide-Ranging Experiences Strengthen Medicaid Leadership
Jun 12, 2025
Show notes
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, CHCS
Jami 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 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
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.
Stronger Together: North Dakota Medicaid and Families Partnering for Impact
May 15, 2025
Show notes
“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, 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, CHCS
Jami 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 Services
Erin Peterson, parent advocate and member, North Dakota Cross-Disability Advisory Council
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.
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