Michigan Medicaid Director Selected for Medicaid Leadership Institute Initiative will enhance the leadership capacity of Medicaid directors to deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2013

 

. The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) directs this initiative, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), to build the capacity of Medicaid directors to transform their programs into national models for accessible, cost-effective care.Medicaid Leadership InstituteLANSING - Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director James K. Haveman announced today that Steve Fitton, Michigan Medicaid Director, is one of seven Medicaid directors chosen nationally to participate in the

 

"Having Michigan represented at this national institute is a testament to the outstanding work of the Michigan Medicaid program and the efforts of Mr. Fitton," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. "At a time when the future of Medicaid and the healthcare industry as a whole is on the verge of tremendous change, we are proud to have the leadership of Mr. Fitton here in Michigan and now, represented nationally."

 

Steve Fitton was competitively selected to participate in the executive leadership development program along with six additional Medicaid directors: Justin Senior, Florida; Susan Mosier, Kansas; Lawrence Kissner, Kentucky; Carol Backstrom, Minnesota; Mark Larson, Vermont; and Brett Davis, Wisconsin.

 

"The quality of leadership provided by state Medicaid directors is increasingly important," said John Lumpkin, MD, vice president and health care group director at RWJF. "Our investment in the professional development of these state officials recognizes the growing role they play in guiding the health care of millions of Americans."

 

 is the fifth group of Medicaid directors chosen for this prestigious executive training program. Since 2009, directors from 22 states serving nearly 39 million beneficiaries -- nearly 64 percent of the nation's Medicaid population -- have participated in the year-long curriculum. The program is managed by CHCS and directed by Carolyn Ingram, senior vice president at CHCS and former New Mexico Medicaid director.Medicaid Leadership InstituteThe 2014 class of the

 

 and will spur each other to take full advantage of opportunities to transform the nation's health care safety net."Institute"Each of these seven Medicaid directors is essentially the CEO of one of the largest health insurers in his or her state. We are excited to work with these executives and their senior management teams to maximize the value of their programs for millions of beneficiaries," said Ms. Ingram. "Steve Fitton and the other Medicaid directors chosen bring a diverse array of experiences to the

 

, visit Medicaid Leadership Institute is designed to enhance the strategic thinking, substantive knowledge, individual leadership, and technical skills that directors need to effectively lead and foster innovation in their state Medicaid programs. For more information about the InstituteThe 12-month www.medicaidleaders.org.

 

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About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For 40 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime.

 

About the Center for Health Care Strategies

The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is a nonprofit health policy resource center dedicated to improving health care access and quality for low-income Americans. CHCS works with state and federal agencies, health plans, providers, and consumer groups to develop innovative programs that better serve people with complex and high-cost health care needs. Its program priorities are: enhancing access to coverage and services; advancing quality and efficiency through delivery system reform; integrating care for people with complex needs; and building Medicaid leadership and capacity.