The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
A program dedicated to advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders’ ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources offer relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) was created by the Reforming States Group in 2015 with the goal of developing future health policy leaders in the executive and legislative branches of state government. What has been the effect of the program on participants? Jennifer Steele, Louisiana Medicaid Director, has served in this role since January 2016 and came to the position from a series of budget and policy positions within the Louisiana Legislature and Department of Health. We asked Jennifer how her experience in ELP has helped her:
ELP has built my professional skill set in areas that are key to leadership positions, but in which I had little training in previous roles. For example, historically, when negotiating, I asked for exactly what I wanted and often ended up with less. ELP introduced me to the “door in the face” approach. By starting from an extreme that allows me to “concede” to a “more reasonable” place that feels like a win for the other party, I was able to secure major improvements to our managed care program in a contract amendment last fall.
The program also taught me the critical importance of relationships, which I have come to understand are a primary currency of leadership positions. As a policy analyst, for example, intellect and independent effort were sufficient for success. But, as director, success depends more on “EQ” or emotional intelligence than IQ. Consciously developing my ability to communicate and build trust with others—especially those I don’t have a natural affinity with—and to identify and harness divergent interests to achieve a mutually desirable end has helped me overcome previously insurmountable barriers to progress on multiple policy fronts, barriers that brains alone could never surmount!
Adds Chris Koller, “The Board of the Fund is enthusiastic about the ELP and its potential for identifying and developing future senior state health policy leadership. The RSG’s sponsorship of the program—in identifying participants, overseeing the curriculum, and serving as individual mentors—will continue to be essential to the program’s success. In particular, RSG Steering Committee members, including Tom Betlach, Nick Macchione, and John Selig, among many others have served as advisors to MMF staff, and we appreciate their time and insights.”