Effective January 1, 2019 Sears joined Strategic Health Care as a Partner focusing on state and national projects on healthcare reform initiatives.Appointed by Governor John Kasich, Sears served as the Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid from December 2016 through 2018. Sears served as the Assistant Director of the Governor's Office of Health Transformation from June 30 to December 23, 2016.Previously, Sears represented the 47th House District in the Ohio House of Representatives. While a legislator, she served as the Majority Floor Leader, Chair of the House Insurance Committee and Chair of the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee. Most of her legislative and policy work focused on the state’s health and human services, including Medicaid and unemployment reforms. Sears has been honored with over two dozen ‘legislator of the year’ awards and lifetime achievement awards.For several years, Sears actively participated in a variety of national organizations including the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), The Council of State Governments (CSG), and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). She was a sought-after speaker and panelist and focused on Medicaid and health transformation. Additionally, Sears continues to present at various foundations and organizations on Medicaid policy and the integration of social determinants of health and work and community engagement.Sears entered public service in 1997 when she was elected to Sylvania City Council. She served on city council for ten years, the last four as President of Council and Chair of Finance. Additionally, she chaired the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. Sears was also an active health and life insurance agent and small business owner from 1985 to 2016.Sears has two grown sons and three amazing grandchildren and resides in both Ohio and North Carolina.
Listed skills include Access, Budgets, Coaching, Coalitions, and 46 others.
