How LME/MCO’s Across the State are Advancing Inclusive Housing
Dave Richard - Moderator
SVP Government Relations - State
McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
https://www.mcguirewoods.com/
David Richard is a senior vice president on McGuireWoods Consulting’s North Carolina government relations team, focusing on healthcare issues related to state and federal government, payors and providers.
Dave has over 40 years leading non-profit and government healthcare organizations, including the last eight years leading the North Carolina’s $20 billion Medicaid program. Prior to serving as deputy secretary for Medicaid, he was the deputy secretary for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Dave joined DHHS as director of the Division of Mental Health in 2013. Before joining the Department, he was executive director of several statewide chapters of The Arc, including The Arc of Delaware, Louisiana and North Carolina, where he led the advocacy and service delivery for people with disabilities.
Dave has worked for both Republican and Democrat administrations and was unanimously confirmed to his Medicaid position by the North Carolina General Assembly. During his tenure at North Carolina Medicaid, Dave led the program’s transformation from fee for serve to managed care, supported the provider community through the COVID pandemic and successfully maintained a balanced budget throughout his service.
Dave has served on numerous state and national boards and committees, including the National Association of Medicaid Directors. He has presented to legislative and other governmental entities and to local, state and national meetings on health policy throughout his career.
Cindy Ehlers, MS, LCMHC
Chief Strategy and Innovations Officer
Trillium Health Resources
www.trilliumhealthresources.org
Cindy Ehlers currently serves as the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Trillium Health Resources. She focuses on improving access to healthcare and affordability through innovative solutions. She previously served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Clinical Operations Officer at Trillium. Cindy has lead several major mergers and consolidations for Trillium during her tenure. Most recently, she was deeply involved in Trillium’s 46 county consolidation and operationalizing the Tailored Plan for Trillium, creating true whole person care for the BH-IDD-TBI population. Cindy is a leader in innovation for behavioral health and IDD and the life-long supports needed by these populations in NC.
Cindy created Trillium’s Innovative Development department, which focuses on evidence-based approaches and innovative opportunities, to address healthcare needs and health disparities throughout North Carolina. She has worked in both in the public and private sectors. Cindy has developed many programs and services overcoming rural barriers to access and health-related disparities to meet the service needs of the BH-IDD population.
Cindy offers a unique perspective in her role as an Executive in the NC Medicaid system, as she is both a parent and professional. Cindy has six children- several who have special needs; she was a therapeutic foster parent and is an adoptive parent. Cindy understands the system from the perspective of the MCO and as a parent of children with special healthcare needs. Her lived experience is unique to find in healthcare at this level in an organization.
Ann Oshel
SVP Community Health Well-Being
Alliance Health
https://www.alliancehealthplan.org/
Ann Oshel has led Alliance’s community engagement since the company’s inception in 2012, and currently heads up the Community Health and Well-Being department, which focuses on the social determinants of health, integration of physical and behavioral healthcare, and population health. In her role she has oversight for priority initiatives including community outreach, supportive housing, system of care, and community change. Prior to coming to Alliance Ms. Oshel was director of Durham County, NC’s nationally-recognized system of care, and also served in various clinical roles in the private sector.
Celeste Ordiway, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Vice President of Transition and Housing
Vaya Health
https://www.vayahealth.com/
Celeste Ordiway has worked in the field of behavioral health for over 20 years. She is currently the Vice President of BH & IDD Network Operations for Vaya Health. She began working in Managed Care Organizations in 2010 and has experience in utilization management, member services, care management, transition and housing, and provider network where she has held multiple leadership positions. Celeste brings expertise in child and adult Medicaid behavioral health benefits, child welfare, care management, project development, provider relations, as well as in the North Carolina Transitions to Community Living (TCL) settlement agreement and Money Follows the Person (MFP). Celeste is enthusiastic about sharing the vision of the 1999 US Supreme Court Olmstead Decision and in shaping how North Carolina embodies its principals. When not working, Celeste enjoys traveling abroad with her family, hiking, spending time in the woods, and cooking.
Allison Gosda
Chief of Clinical Services
Partners Health Management
https://www.partnersbhm.org/
Allison Gosda is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 35 years of experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and integrated care. As Chief of Clinical Services at Partners Health Management, she leads strategic initiatives that enhance whole person care, population health, and clinical operations across North Carolina. Her leadership has driven multimillion-dollar program launches, Medicaid reform efforts, and innovative care models that improve outcomes and member satisfaction. Allison holds an MBA in Healthcare Management and is a licensed clinical mental health and addictions specialist.