DHS' Kohler to take national post

Commissioner Jennifer Velez today announced that Deputy Commissioner Ann C. Kohler has been tapped by the National Association of State Medicaid Directors ( NASMD ) to serve as its Executive Director. This is the first time since the inception of NASMD that a New Jersey official will take the helm.

Ms. Kohler began with the Department of Human Services in 1979. She has served in a variety of capacities but is most recognized for her roles as Medicaid Director and most recently as Deputy Commissioner over the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, the Division of Disability Services, Budget and Finance.

During a brief period from 1996 to 1999, Ms. Kohler also served as Medicaid Director for the State of New York.

“Ann has been a strong advocate for New Jersey 's Medicaid issues before our Legislature, Congress, government sub-committees, and a variety of state and national organizations,” said Velez. “Her overwhelming knowledge of the issues and ability to convey them in any setting – before any audience and with little notice – make her a natural for this new position.

“The Department will miss Ann's institutional expertise and candor with the issues,” Velez added. “Our loss is NASMD's gain; we wish her great success with this new role.”

NASMD is a bipartisan, professional, nonprofit trade organization of state Medicaid agencies. Since 1979, NASMD has been affiliated with the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) . The primary purposes of NASMD are: to serve as a focal point of communication between the states and the federal government, and to provide an information network among the states on issues pertinent to the Medicaid program.

“It is such an honor to have been selected to serve as Executive Director of NASMD but the Department will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Kohler. “My work here has been very rewarding. New Jersey has made great strides in making health care and health insurance accessible for individuals who might otherwise be without.”

Ms. Kohler will begin with NASMD in July.

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