Chiquita Brooks-La Sure; Making "herstory" as the first black woman to hold CMS top-leader position.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a new administrator. Recently elected following Joe Biden's nomination Chiquita Brooks-La Sure was recently elected as the new Administrator what may be, the largest position in government healthcare.

Her experience is remarkable, making her a well-qualified appointment to a formidable position. We can't help celebrating in many ways as we applaud diversity, inclusion, and some "black girl magic" witnessing the first African, American-born woman to hold the position of CMS Administrator in history!

Well-educated, she earned a Bachelor's of Arts from Ivy League research University, Princeton in 1996. Following with a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, then starting her career as lead Medicaid Analyst with the Office of Management and Business (OMB). She is no stranger to the Health and Human Services (HHS) division of CMS, as she held the position of Deputy Director for Policy and Regulation at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIO). The CCIO is charged with reform relative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and historical reforms that followed. Playing an integral role for the ACA while serving on the Democratic staff of the Ways & Means Committee. That's just to name a few of her positions and accomplishments.

As part of the healthcare industry in our small sector, we're hopeful as we anticipate the change and fresh direction any new leader brings to such a large-reaching entity like CMS. We are especially hopeful with one who has spent her career in public health recognizing the necessity for change and those who need it most.