I am so happy to see that Vikki Wachino has accepted the position of Director for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) at CMS. Vikki stepped into the role of Acting Director when Cindy Mann left the agency in January.

Children’s health advocates will recall Vikki’s tenure as Director of the Children and Adults Health Programs Group at CMS where she was an extremely effective leader who kept the forward momentum going for children’s coverage. Vikki also has extensive experience working on Medicaid waivers and Medicaid managed care – two very important issues that significantly impact the health care of America’s families.

With the highly charged political environment surrounding health care policy, our nation is fortunate to have such a talented and committed public servant as Vikki Wachino willing to serve.

She is a consummate professional who is always focused on improving the U.S. health care system to better meet the needs of American consumers.