A major shakeup in leadership at the Mississippi Division of Medicaid has been announced, with executive director Drew Snyder stepping down from his post to join the private sector.
Governor Tate Reeves announced on Wednesday that Cindy Bradshaw, Medicaid’s deputy executive director for eligibility, has been tabbed to fill the vacancy. Bradshaw and Snyder will reportedly work closely together over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition of power. Snyder’s last day with the state is October 31.
“Drew Snyder is a talented and dedicated public servant who has driven positive, lasting change in our state’s Medicaid program,” Reeves said. “I appreciate his acumen and his exemplary leadership and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his career.”
Snyder was initially appointed executive director by former Governor Phil Bryant in January 2018 and had been retained by Reeves. He is one of the five longest-serving Medicaid directors in the U.S. and is Mississippi’s longest-serving Medicaid director this century.
According to Reeves, Snyder spearheaded numerous reforms to enable the Division of Medicaid to better prioritize its resources and capture cost savings, and the agency still operates below its 2016 state-supported funding level.
The governor touted Snyder’s role in orchestrating a transformational payment that generated additional revenue for the state’s hospitals, though some were critical of both Snyder and Reeves not pushing for Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
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Under his direction, Mississippi Medicaid moved to more quality-based provider reimbursements, implemented more rigorous oversight of vendors, adopted new policies making it easier for members to access services, and overhauled digital operations, Reeves contended in a press release.
“Working with the Division of Medicaid team, health care professionals, state leaders, and other partners to enhance value and elevate quality in the Mississippi Medicaid program has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” Snyder said. “I’m pleased with the progress that has been made, and I’m optimistic about what can be accomplished in the years ahead for the betterment of Medicaid members and Mississippi’s economic health.”
Cindy Bradshaw has been serving as Medicaid’s Deputy Executive Director for Eligibility since April 2023. Bradshaw has worked with the agency through the unwinding of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, Bradshaw was the state insurance administrator, where she oversaw a billion-dollar annual portfolio that included the 200,000-member state and school employees’ life and health insurance plans. She also has nearly two decades of experience in health plan operations for private insurers.
“With deep experience in health plan operations in the public and private sectors, Cindy Bradshaw is well-prepared to lead Mississippi’s Medicaid program,” Reeves said. “She has a proven record of elevating operational performance and advancing initiatives aimed at improving outcomes and protecting taxpayers. She is an excellent choice to ensure continuity and continued progress in the Medicaid program.”
