Health System with 5 hospitals across 1 state
| Health System | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services |
|---|---|
| Total Hospitals | 5 |
| Commercial/Acute Hospitals | 0 |
| Total Beds | 1514 |
| Commercial/Acute Beds | 0 |
| Headquarters | MORGANTON, NC |
| Website | ncdhhs.gov |
| Hospital | Type | Beds | Teaching | Recently Joined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Regional Hospital | Psychiatric | 432 | Yes | No |
| Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center | Psychiatric | 80 | No | No |
| Broughton Hospital | Psychiatric | 737 | Yes | No |
| Cherry Hospital | Psychiatric | 249 | Yes | No |
| The Walter B. Jones Center | Psychiatric | 16 | No | No |
Selected by Governor Josh Stein, sworn in as the 19th Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. [6] Former PHMO leader and president of Duke Regional Hospital. Professor of family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry at DUSOM. [4] He will be the state's first Indian American cabinet member. [4] He has a history of managing complex organizations. [8]
Dr. ClarLynda Williams-Devane serves as the Chief Deputy and Deputy Secretary of Operational Excellence at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). In this capacity, she is responsible for the operational infrastructure of the department, overseeing areas such as Human Resources, the Data Office, Budget and Finance, and Information Technology. Before assuming her current role, Dr. Williams-Devane held several other leadership positions within NCDHHS, including Senior Deputy Director for the Division of Public Health, Deputy State Health Official, North Carolina State Registrar, and Director of the State Center for Health Statistics. Prior to her service at NCDHHS, she was the founding chair of the Data Science and Bioinformatics Department at Fisk University and an associate professor of Bioinformatics at NC Central University. Dr. Williams-Devane holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from North Carolina Central University and a PhD in Bioinformatics from North Carolina State University. Her postgraduate training includes a Postdoctoral fellowship at the US Environmental Protection Agency and a fellowship in OB-GYN at Duke University School of Medicine. She is recognized as a health disparity informaticist dedicated to utilizing data to advance health equity.
Karen Burkes is the Deputy Secretary for Facilities and Licensure at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), where she oversees Health Service Regulation and State Operated Healthcare Facilities. This system includes 13 facilities that serve individuals with mental illness, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Before her current role, she served as the Deputy Director for Operations and COO for the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SAS) at NCDHHS, managing internal operating and mission-support functions. She also held positions as the Director for the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities and the PPE Lead for the NC COVID-19 Response. Prior to joining NCDHHS in 2018, Burkes worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury for over eight years in various Senior Advisor and Director roles, focusing on operational improvements, management initiatives, and software system implementation. Her experience also includes working as an IT Consultant in Chicago on educational software implementation projects for Chicago Public Schools and teaching mathematics in Baltimore County Public Schools. Karen Burkes holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. She also has certifications including RYT®200 from the Yoga Alliance and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Marjorie Donaldson is the Chief Financial Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She has extensive public sector experience within DHHS, having served in numerous leadership capacities, including Senior Program Planner/Evaluator, Chief of Planning, Development, and Program Evaluation, Manager of the Burlington Unit office, and Assistant Manager in the Henderson Unit Office. She also worked for six years as a Rehabilitation Counselor for DHHS' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Before her role as Director of the Division of Budget and Analysis, Donaldson was the Director of Program Evaluation, Reporting and Accountability (OPERA) for DHHS. She spent a decade in the Division of Budget and Analysis, where she was the Deputy Director for Program Performance and Analysis for six years. In her roles within the division, she was involved in the formulation, review, analysis, and presentation of the department's budget. Marjorie Donaldson is a Certified Public Manager with considerable experience in program analysis, strategic planning, and performance measurement. She has also played a key role in initiatives aimed at integrating service delivery within DHHS. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wake Forest University and pursued post-graduate studies in rehabilitation counseling psychology at Appalachian State University. A report from 2023 notes that she is the first woman and the first Black person to hold the position of CFO at NCDHHS.
Debra C. Farrington is the Deputy Secretary for Health Equity and Chief Health Equity Officer at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She is a native of Chadbourn in rural Columbus County, North Carolina. Farrington holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience in community-based services for children and adults with behavioral health needs. Before her appointment as Deputy Secretary in May 2022, Farrington served as the Chief of Staff for NC Medicaid, which she joined in October 2016. In her role as Chief of Staff, she supported the Deputy Secretary on program vision, leadership, and strategic direction for NC Medicaid, focusing on planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating operations and policies to promote health equity, effective program administration, and service delivery. A significant priority during her time as Chief of Staff was addressing equity in hiring, career advancement, and health equity policies for historically marginalized individuals. As Deputy Secretary and Chief Health Equity Officer, her focus is on addressing health disparities and the needs of North Carolina's most vulnerable citizens. Her work includes building trust with communities, engaging individuals and communities for feedback on health equity strategy, and utilizing data to drive decision-making and resource allocation. She has also been involved in initiatives such as modifying the representation of tribal affiliation on birth and death certificates in North Carolina. Farrington received the 2022 John R. Larkins Award for her commitment to justice and equality.
Jonathan Kappler serves as the Deputy Secretary for External Affairs and Chief of Staff at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a role he has held since February 2019. In this capacity, he advises the Secretary on critical issues, leads special initiatives, and assists in coordinating strategic efforts aimed at improving the health and well-being of North Carolinians. He initially joined NCDHHS as Chief of Staff to the then-Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Prior to his work at NCDHHS, Kappler was the Executive Director of the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation (NCFEF), a non-profit organization providing non-partisan political research and analysis to the state's business community. He also served as the Interim Vice President of Federal Relations and Director of State Government Relations for the University of North Carolina System, representing the system's institutions before state and federal government bodies. Kappler is an alumnus of Appalachian State University, where he graduated summa cum laude with Honors degrees in Political Science and Spanish. He also holds a Master of Public Policy from American University's School of Public Affairs. He is recognized for his objective analysis of North Carolina politics and has been involved with various organizations, including the Appalachian Alumni Association, the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, Leadership North Carolina, and the American Enterprise Institute's Leadership Network.
Dr. Kelly Kimple serves as the North Carolina State Health Officer and the acting Director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health. In this capacity, she is responsible for leading initiatives aimed at protecting and enhancing health and well-being throughout the state. Dr. Kimple is a pediatrician and preventive medicine physician with a strong interest in public health and prevention. She emphasizes evidence-based and data-driven approaches and is dedicated to serving vulnerable populations. She has been a trusted subject matter expert on various advisory groups and played a key role in North Carolina's COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. Dr. Kimple is also focused on fostering teamwork and building partnerships across NCDHHS divisions and with external partners to support the department's mission. She initially joined the Division of Public Health in 2016 as the Women's and Children's Health Section Chief and continues to serve as the NC Title V/Maternal and Child Health Director. Before her time at NCDHHS, Dr. Kimple was on the faculty at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Her work there included focusing on preventing hospital readmissions through a whole-person approach, addressing non-medical needs via a medical-legal partnership, and providing complex care for children and youth with special health care needs as a primary care pediatrician in both academic and Federally Qualified Health Center settings. Dr. Kimple earned her B.A. in Biologic Basis of Behavior and Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania. She holds an M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her residencies in pediatrics and preventive medicine/public health at the University of North Carolina.
Michael Leighs is the Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). He has over 20 years of experience in health and human services, with expertise in public policy, program management, and stakeholder engagement. In his current role, he oversees divisions including Child and Family Well-Being, Social Services, Child Development and Early Education, Aging Services, Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, Services for the Blind, and Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These divisions manage a significant budget and staff. Before becoming Deputy Secretary, Leighs spent six years in senior positions at NCDHHS, working in the Office of Government Affairs and NC Medicaid. During this time, he was involved in communications and external engagement for the state's shift to Medicaid managed care, including the launch of the Medicaid Ombudsman program and the implementation of Medicaid expansion. Prior to his work at NCDHHS, Leighs spent over a decade in Los Angeles in the government and nonprofit sectors, holding senior roles at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. His career in public policy began as a staff member in the U.S. Senate. Leighs holds a Master in Public Policy degree from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
Leads the $21 billion North Carolina Medicaid program. Committed to transforming Medicaid through a person-centered, integrated approach. Led the implementation of critical healthcare initiatives, such as the Healthy Opportunities Pilot. [16] Before joining DHHS in August 2017, he was the Acting Director of the Missouri HealthNet (Medicaid) Division. He also served as the Missouri HealthNet Deputy Division Director. [16] Ludlam has managed claims operations for Aetna and WellCare and oversaw Aetna's compliance function. [16] He served as the Assistant Attorney General for the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Unit. [16] Ludlam received his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and his Bachelor of Science degree in social psychology from Grinnell College. [16]
*dual role as CMO for State Operated Facilities
Aaron Blackmon is listed as a Strategic Advisor at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). Other sources indicate his role at NC DHHS is Executive Assistant, which he has held since September 2021. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from North Carolina State University (2016-2018) and an Associate of Arts in Communication from Wake Technical Community College (2014-2016).
Laketha M. Miller is the Director of the Office of the Controller at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She oversees a budget of approximately $20 billion and a staff of 220 employees responsible for accounting and collection functions. She is also involved in developing and evaluating financial management and reporting policies for the department. Prior to becoming the Controller, Miller held several positions within the NCDHHS Office of the Controller and the N.C. Office of the State Controller. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from North Carolina State University in 1988 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1991. Miller has been with the state since August 1988 and has served as the DHHS Controller since May 2003. In 2017, she received the State Controller's Fiscal Integrity Award.
*dual role as COO & Office of Strategy and Performance
*dual role as DHHS Deputy CMO for Health Access
Melanie Bush, MPAff, is the Assistant Secretary at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She also serves as the Deputy Medicaid Director for the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits (DHB). In this capacity, she provides leadership, strategic planning, and oversight for the NC Medicaid program. Her previous roles within DHHS include Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Medicaid operations, Deputy Director of Clinical and Operations, overseeing Medicaid policy development, and Assistant Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, managing relationships with federal counterparts at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Before joining DHHS, Melanie Bush was the Medicaid Fiscal Analyst for the Fiscal Research Division of the North Carolina General Assembly, where she was the lead of the Health and Human Services budget team. Melanie Bush has over 17 years of experience in the health and human services and governmental sectors, having also worked for nonprofits providing direct services and advocacy organizations. She holds a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas. She stepped down as the Assistant Director for Medicaid Policy and Regulatory Affairs at the NC Division of Medical Assistance in 2015. In 2018, she was noted as the Deputy Director for Clinical and Operations in the Division of Medical Assistance. By 2021, she was the Chief Administration Officer for NC Medicaid.
Mark Payne is the Director of the Division of Health Service Regulation at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), a position he has held since January 2016. In this role, he is responsible for managing the division's operations and budget, which includes statewide licensing and inspection of healthcare facilities, emergency medical service providers, in-home care providers, and entities handling radioactive materials. He also serves as the secretary of the Medical Care Commission and is responsible for staffing the State Health Coordinating Council. Payne joined NC DHHS in May 2013 as its Chief of Staff, providing strategic business-focused direction, advice, and oversight of various programs. Before his time at NC DHHS, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Managed Care at the North Carolina Department of Insurance and as General Counsel for Edgecombe Community College, where he also taught business law. He is an accomplished corporate attorney and compliance officer, having served as the Vice President and Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. His experience also includes roles as a senior counsel for Blue Cross, CIGNA Corporation, and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of North Carolina. In private practice as an attorney, Payne advised major medical centers on Medicare and Medicaid issues and represented clients seeking Medicaid eligibility. Mark Payne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with Certification in Secondary Education from Covenant College and a Juris Doctorate degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He is licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar.
Based on the search results, here is a short bio of Niki Ashmont: Niki Ashmont is the Acting Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). Previously, Ashmont served as the Assistant Division Director of the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities (DSOHF), working directly with the three State Developmental Centers. Ashmont began their career in Indiana during the closure of state developmental institutions, gaining experience with individuals transitioning back to the community. Ashmont has over 20 years of experience working to ensure appropriate supports are available to people in their home communities. Their background includes roles as a provider, public agent guardian, and an employee of a Managed Care Organization, bringing a diverse perspective to their work in DSOHF. Ashmont is also listed as a member of the North Carolina Culture Change Coalition, representing the NCDHHS/Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities. Ashmont is also an alternate member of the Olmstead Plan Stakeholder Advisory.
Janssen White is the Assistant Secretary for Government Affairs at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) since March 2024. In this role, she is responsible for the department's legislative strategy and representation before the NC General Assembly, other state agencies, and partners. She previously served as Deputy Director of Government Affairs and Legislative Liaison at NCDHHS. Prior to joining DHHS, White worked for four years in the office of US Congressman David E. Price, holding positions such as Legislative Assistant, Scheduler, and Staff Assistant. She also worked in the Office of the Chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. White holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a two-time Past President of the North Carolina Democratic Club of Washington, D.C.
Based on the search results, here is a short bio for Julie Cronin, General Counsel at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: Julie Yates Cronin is the General Counsel at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a role she has held since July 2022. Prior to this, she served as Deputy General Counsel at NCDHHS from October 2021 to July 2022 and as Assistant General Counsel from June 2016 to October 2021. Cronin earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Campbell University School of Law (2009-2012) and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2004-2008), where she was also part of the varsity women's soccer team. She is also listed as the process agent for NCDHHS.
Karen Wade is the Policy Director at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a position she has held since July 2023. Prior to this role, she served as a Policy Adviser at NCDHHS from November 2017 to July 2023. Before her time at NCDHHS, Ms. Wade worked in various roles in Washington D.C., including as a Legislative Correspondent (2011-June 2013) and Staff Assistant (March 2010-2011) for Senator Kay Hagan, and as an Aide for Congressman David Price in July 2009. She also previously served in roles at the Health Resources & Services Administration and the U.S. Senate. Karen Wade holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, earned between 2013 and 2015. She also received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied public policy analysis and political science from 2005 to 2009.
Heather Strickland is the Senior Director of Communications at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, a position she has held since August 2023. Prior to this role, she served as the Communications and Development Director for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC) starting in 2013, where she led rebranding efforts and developed fundraising strategies. Before her time at NCPC, she was the Director of Communications for the NC Department of State Treasurer, overseeing communications, branding, and marketing for various divisions including the North Carolina Retirement Systems and the State Health Plan. She also has experience as the Marketing Director for Carolina Ballet. Strickland brings over 15 years of experience in organizational strategy, branding, fundraising, and engagement for non-profit and public service organizations. She is also involved with the Raleigh Little Theatre and serves on the Executive Committee of Arts North Carolina.
Yvonne Copeland is the Director of the Division of Child and Family Well-Being at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She is the inaugural Director of this division, which aims to integrate various programs supporting the well-being of children and families. Copeland brings over 30 years of experience in strategy, policy, operations, and change management within public-sector health and human services, with expertise in behavioral health. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Meredith College and a Bachelor of Arts in Statistical Research Methods/Sociology from Rutgers University.
Lisa Tucker Cauley is the Division Director for Human Services, Child, Family, and Adult, Regional Support at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She holds an MSW degree. In her role, she has been involved in initiatives such as the statewide expansion of the Success Coach program, which aims to support families after exiting foster care. She has also been a speaker at events related to Child Abuse Prevention Month, representing NCDHHS. Cauley has been noted for her work in ensuring families have access to necessary support and for her contributions to improving the child welfare system in North Carolina. Her work includes focusing on a comprehensive permanency support model for families and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of children and families. She has also been involved in discussions regarding Rylan's Law, which concerns oversight in child custody cases.
Chris Egan is the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Community Access at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). In this role, he oversees programs aimed at helping individuals with disabilities and other historically underserved populations achieve their goals related to employment, independent living, financial self-sufficiency, and community access. Egan holds a Master of Social Work from East Carolina University, where he also completed his Bachelor of Social Work and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the ECU School of Social Work. He began his career in 1989 as a Clinical Social Worker at Dorothea Dix Hospital, focusing on supporting community transitions for adults with severe and persistent mental health issues. He has a background in systems change efforts, having directed the Developmental Disabilities Training Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill and served as Executive Director of the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities. His work has focused on raising awareness, expanding options, and increasing access to education, employment, and community living for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. At NC DHHS, Egan is focused on expanding access to competitive integrated employment services for North Carolinians with disabilities and champions the Department's Employment First initiatives. He also provides oversight for six DHHS divisions, including Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, Services for the Blind, Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Disability Determination Services, the Office of Economic Opportunity, and the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities. Egan also represents the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the NCWorks Commission.
Candace Witherspoon is the Acting Director for the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a role she has held since December 2023. She has nearly 20 years of experience in education, primarily in special education. Before joining NCDHHS, Witherspoon worked for the Wake County Public School System, where she was most recently a Senior Director for Policy and Compliance in Special Education Services. Her background includes various roles such as teacher assistant, teacher, school-level leader, district-level leader, mentor, and coach, with experience in pre-kindergarten programs and early intervention. She holds Master's degrees in Education for Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education.
Carla West is the Senior Director for Human Services and IV-D Director for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In this role, she is responsible for integrating and improving access to person-centered services to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency and improved well-being. Her leadership encompasses directing, planning, and evaluating multiple programs within a complex, integrated service delivery system. Ms. West oversees the Economic Services Programs, which include the Child Support Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Work First), Energy programs, Office of Refugee, Continuous Quality Improvement, and the Customer Service Call Center. Additionally, she is responsible for the Division of Aging and Adult Services, which aims to promote the independence and enhance the dignity of older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families. Prior to her role at NCDHHS, Ms. West worked for YoungWilliams, managing a child support office in New Hanover County and later overseeing customer contact centers and North Carolina projects for the company. She has an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Business Management from Bellevue University. Ms. West is actively involved in several professional organizations. She serves on the board of the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA), is a member of their Policy Forum and CSQ committees, and co-chaired NCSEA's 2022 Leadership Symposium. She is a past president of the Eastern Regional Interstate Child Support Association (ERICSA) and a member of their Honorary Board. She also serves as an ex-officio board member of the North Carolina Child Support Council and is on the board for the North Carolina Council for Developmental Disabilities.
Rob Morrell is the Director of Human Services Business Information & Analytics (HSBIA) at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). In this role, he is involved in key initiatives such as the implementation of the new statewide Child Welfare Information System, known as PATH NC. He is also a member of the NC DHHS' Child Welfare Transformation Team and has been listed as a member of the NC Early Childhood Data Advisory Council, representing the Division of Social Services. His work includes overseeing efforts related to data and document conversion for the PATH NC system and contributing to initiatives like the North Carolina Olmstead Plan. The role of Director of Human Services Business Information and Analytics is noted as central to establishing a Dedicated CWS Practice and Product Management Office within NC DHHS.
Joyce Massey-Smith is the Director for the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) within the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She has held various roles within the division, including Regional Adult Programs representative, chief of Budget, Planning and Systems Support, and Adult Services section chief. Before her time with the division, Massey-Smith served as both a planner and director at the Region I Area Agency on Aging. She has also held leadership positions with the NC4A and the NC Association on Aging and Disaster Services at the NWNC Chapter of the American Red Cross. In March 2018, she was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs. Massey-Smith also provided staff support at the 1995 White House Conference on Aging. Academically, Massey-Smith holds a Bachelor of Social Work from UNC-Greensboro and a Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in aging and public policy. Her professional interests include rural social work practice, performance outcome measurement in human services, and team development.
Marionna C. Poke-Stewart is the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She also holds the position of Chief Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being at NCDHHS. Previously, she served as the Chair of Capital Area Workforce Development. In 2020, she was recognized as a Friend of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County. The Office of Economic Opportunity, which she directs, focuses on enhancing the social and economic well-being of low-income individuals and families across North Carolina by allocating financial resources to Community Action Agencies.
Jacki Russell is the Director of the Disability Determination Services (DDS), a division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She has over 20 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, professional development, and advocating for people with disabilities. Russell began her career in 1993 as a Speech Pathologist, working in various settings including homes, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. Prior to her role at NCDHHS DDS, she held several positions with the Wake County Public School System, such as Speech Pathologist, Assistive Technology Specialist, Senior Administrator, Director of Policy, and Senior Director of Policy and Fiscal Compliance. She has a Bachelor of Science from Ball State University, a Master's in Speech Pathology from North Carolina Central University, and a Master's in Administration from North Carolina State University. Jacki Russell is also the President of the National Council of Disability Determination Directors (NCDDD). Since becoming director in 2018, she has been recognized for transforming North Carolina's DDS into a high-performing organization. She has focused on improving workplace culture, advocating for increased federal funding for salaries, developing recruitment plans, and setting goals to reduce claims processing times.
Cynthia Speight is the Director of the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She has over 36 years of experience in the human services field. Speight began her career with DSB in 2000 as an Independent Living Rehabilitation Program Specialist. She was promoted to Chief of Rehabilitation Programs and Field Services in 2009, then to Assistant Director in 2012, and was appointed Division Director in March 2017. Prior to her work with DSB, Speight was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, where she also served as Assistant Regional Manager and Regional Manager. She holds a Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is dedicated to expanding opportunities for consumers and partnering with stakeholders. Speight is passionate about DSB's mission to help blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind individuals achieve employment and independent living goals.
Kathie B. Smith is the Director of the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation from East Carolina University. Smith is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Certified Public Manager. She began her career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and has over 25 years of experience in various settings, including public, private, medical, and wellness. Before her current role, she served as the Chief of Field Rehabilitation Services and Assistant Director for the NCDHHS Division of Services for the Blind, becoming the Division Director in March 2019. Her work focuses on the principles of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and helping people with disabilities achieve employment and independence.
Talley Wells is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He began this role effective January 21, 2020. Wells has dedicated his career to working with the disability community. Prior to joining NCCDD, he served as the Executive Director for the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice. For nearly ten years before that, he was the Director of the Disability Integration Project at the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, where his work focused on the implementation of the Supreme Court's *Olmstead v. L.C.* decision. He also founded the Olmstead Disability Rights Law Clinic at Georgia State School of Law and worked at the Institute on Human Development and Disabilities at the University of Georgia. Wells earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Duke University, a master's in education from Harvard, and attended Duke University School of Law. He and his wife, Laura, were also co-founders of L'Arche Atlanta, a community for people with and without developmental disabilities.
Kenneth Bausell is the Senior Director of Employment and Inclusion at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), where he supports the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division of Services for the Blind, the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Employment First. He has over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in various community-based settings, including group homes, care management, direct care, provider agencies, and State Agencies. Before becoming Senior Director, Bausell served as the Manager of Services for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) at North Carolina Medicaid. In that role, his work included engagement with the NC Innovations Waiver, the NC TBI Waiver, Research Based – Health Treatment, 1915(i) services, Employment Services, and Medicaid Transformation. Kenneth Bausell holds a BSN and is a Registered Nurse.
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, is the Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience in providing and managing public services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and brain injuries. Crosbie's career began as a mental health clinician working with children in foster care and juvenile justice settings, as well as individuals with co-occurring conditions. She has held various roles in non-profit organizations supporting individuals with behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities, including Development Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Within NCDHHS, she has held multiple leadership positions over the past 13 years. These include Assistant Director for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at NC Medicaid, Chief Operating Officer of NC Medicaid, and Chief Quality Officer for the Division of Health Benefits (formerly NC Medicaid). In these roles, she oversaw benefits like the Innovations Waiver and directed Quality and Care Management Programs, including Tailored Care Management. As the current Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, Crosbie is responsible for the oversight of the state's public community-based system for mental health, intellectual and other developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. She manages legislative appropriations for behavioral health services, focusing on areas such as strengthening the crisis response system, expanding services for children and youth, supporting justice-involved individuals, and growing the behavioral health workforce. Crosbie holds a Master's degree in Social Work Administration from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is also an appointed member of several professional groups and advisory committees. She was named the NASW North Carolina 2025 Social Worker of the Year.
Margaret “Maggie” Sauer joined the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Rural Health as director in June 2017. Prior to this role, she served as the President/CEO of the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation (FHLI) in Cary, N.C., for over five years, where she oversaw significant growth in the organization. Before her time at FHLI, Sauer was the Associate Executive Director of the N.C. Medical Society Foundation, where she directed programs focused on strengthening and expanding primary care across North Carolina. She also previously held the position of Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Duke University Health Center's Department of Community and Family Medicine's Division of Community Health, managing numerous projects across many North Carolina counties. Additionally, Sauer served as a Research Assistant Professor in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science from Colorado State University. A native of rural eastern Colorado, Sauer's childhood experiences fueled her passion for serving rural communities, and North Carolina has been her home for over 30 years.
Portia Pope, Ph.D., MPA, PMP, NCCM, IMH-E®, serves as the Acting Director of the Office of Health Equity and Community Engagement within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She has over 20 years of experience leading public service programs in North Carolina and California, with a focus on advancing health equity and supporting vulnerable populations. Before her current role, Dr. Pope was the Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity. She also directed the Durham Children's Developmental Services Agency in the Division of Child and Family Well-Being, overseeing federally funded early intervention services. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade in executive leadership through a federal agency contract, managing programs across all 50 states and U.S. territories with a significant annual budget. Dr. Pope holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She also earned a Master of Public Administration, a Master's in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Her credentials include national certifications in project management, agile project management, contract management, and Lean Six Sigma, along with an endorsement in infant and early childhood mental health. She is also a visiting scholar and instructor at several universities and serves on multiple advisory boards and councils related to health equity and child development.
Deb Goda is the Director of Olmstead at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). In this role, she is involved with the Transitions to Community Living Initiative (TCLI), which assists individuals with serious mental illness or severe and persistent mental illness who are living in or are at risk of entering Adult Care Homes to transition to community-based living. Ms. Goda has been noted for her involvement in matters concerning the state's adherence to the Olmstead decision, a Supreme Court ruling affirming the right of individuals with disabilities to reside in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Her background also includes serving as a Behavioral Health Unit Manager at NC DHHS. Additionally, she has been listed as faculty for training programs focused on Tailored Care Management and the TCLI, suggesting a role in the training of healthcare providers. She was also previously associated with the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, representing the NC DHHS Division of MH/DD/SAS.
Vijay Ramanujam serves as the Director of NC FAST and Deputy Chief Information Officer in the Information Technology Division at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). He has also been noted as the Acting Chief Information Officer for NC DHHS. His responsibilities include leading large-scale healthcare programs and implementations within the department. Ramanujam has a background in healthcare management and has held various leadership positions throughout his career, overseeing projects such as the NC FAST Document Management System Enhancement.
Jeff Grimes is the Internal Audit Director at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). Prior to this role, he served as a Senior Evaluator with the legislative Program Evaluation Division. He is also a member of the Council of Internal Auditing for the State of North Carolina.
Luke Hoff is the Director of the Division of Property and Construction at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). He has over 34 years of experience in providing project management, design, and construction administration services. Before joining NCDHHS in 2013, Hoff worked at UNC-Chapel Hill for nine years as the Facilities Services Director of Design and Construction Services. Prior to his work in state government, he spent 19 years in the private sector with various engineering and architectural design consulting firms. Hoff is a Licensed Professional Structural Engineer in North Carolina and Virginia. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Iowa.
Charles E. Ingold is the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Pyreddy Reddy is the Chief Information Security Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), overseeing the Privacy and Security Office. He has been with the department for more than 20 years. Prior to his role at NC DHHS, Mr. Reddy worked as an information system auditor for New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and possesses various security certifications.