NAMD Launches 2022 Fall Conference by Welcoming Incoming Executive Director

The largest gathering ever of Medicaid leaders from across the country and territories launched with the introduction of the association’s incoming executive director, Kate McEvoy.

McEvoy will take the helm in January 2023, but her comments to the group were aimed at the here and now.

“We see and we affirm your outstanding contributions to the core work of the Medicaid program, ensuring that people can access health care,” McEvoy told the 230 state Medicaid staff assembled.

She acknowledged that she would be leading an organization dedicated to the support of Medicaid leaders who exemplify “’unshowy’ and selfless excellence in service.” Even in these contentious times when confidence in government is at a low ebb, she affirmed what has been a longstanding hallmark of the individuals who step forward to lead Medicaid agencies: non-partisan dedication to health care access for all.

“I know that we will all continue to take on issues as people of conscience across the political divide,” she said.

McEvoy noted that the association would continue to focus on its current platform of supporting Medicaid leadership and innovation in the areas of behavioral health integration, long term supports and service as well as the ultimately unwinding of the public health emergency.

Currently, McEvoy leads the Milbank Memorial Fund’s work in support of state executive branch staff and policymakers and guides its work on healthy aging. Prior to joining that organization, she was the Medicaid Director for Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, where she oversaw delivery and payment reform for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and long-term services and supports. During this time, she served as president and vice president of NAMD’s Board of Directors. Previous to her health directorship in Connecticut, she contributed to state health reform efforts at the Office of the State Comptroller, which oversees state employee benefits.

An elder law attorney by training, Kate’s early career was dedicated to working with and for older adults and people with disabilities at the Connecticut Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

The National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) is a bipartisan, nonprofit, professional organization representing leaders of state Medicaid agencies across the country. NAMD supports Medicaid Directors in administering the program in cost-effective, efficient, and visionary ways that enable the over 89 million Americans served by Medicaid to achieve their best health and to thrive in their communities. NAMD does this by offering programs for Medicaid Directors, elevating the consensus issues of Directors in the federal policy process, and serving as the trusted source for data and information about Directors.

Meet Kate.