Washington Appoints Maryland Deputy Health Secretary Ryan Moran to Lead Medicaid Agency Amid Funding Threats

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Maryland Deputy Health Secretary Ryan Moran as the new director of the Washington Health Care Authority, which administers Medicaid for nearly 2 million people. Moran, who oversees Medicaid and health care financing in Maryland, will begin his new role on August 18, bringing significant experience including a doctorate in public health from Johns Hopkins University and leadership roles at Whitman-Walker Health System and MedStar Health. His arrival comes as Washington and other states prepare for potential federal Medicaid funding cuts under the Trump Administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, with concerns that nearly 194,000 residents could lose coverage. Meanwhile, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced several city government appointments to accelerate reform and improve services, including Khalil Zaied as Deputy Mayor of Operations and Matthew Garbark as Director of the Department of Public Works. In Iowa, the Department of Corrections appointed Dr. Usha Chhatlani as the new Mental Health Director, emphasizing enhanced mental health services in correctional facilities. These leadership changes reflect a broader focus on improving governance and public health services across various states and cities.