Gov. Ralph Northam has named Karen Kimsey as the new Chief Deputy of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). Prior to her appointment, Kimsey served as the Deputy Director of Complex Care and Services.

According to the governor’s press release announcing the appointment, Kimsey “is an accomplished executive with 23 years of public service with the state Medicaid program. She led the successful development and launch of the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus program, the creation of a new addiction and treatment benefit for individuals with substance use disorders, the redesign and implementation of the system that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, and the launch of the Governor’s Access Plan to serve individuals with serious mental illness.” She was honored with the Governor’s Agency Star Award in 2017.

She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work as well as a Certificate in Aging Studies. Kimsey is also a proud mom of two sons, Evan and Andrew.

VHCA-VCAL extends its congratulations to Kimsey and looks forward to continuing to partner with her in her new role at DMAS.