Alumna Tracy Williams Manages Ohio's Medicaid Program
By Ashley Katona, ’06

Alumna Tracy Williams, ’95, affects about 1.7 millionlives in Ohio each day. This responsibility is part of Williams’ new prestigious role as director of the State Medicaid Program at Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). She was appointed state Medicaid director March 6, after serving as interim Medicaid director for four months.

“I feel fortunate to receive this position,” says Williams. “I have worked in the department for two years and have always wanted to advance in my career in state government.”

Williams, who received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Kent State University and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio State, previously worked as an assistant deputy in the Office of Ohio Health Plans and the senior human services analyst for the Office of Budget Management.

Thanks to Kent State, Williams says she has been well-prepared for these jobs in the government sector.

“The one thing that has been really beneficial for my job and sticks out in my mind is the intensive writing experiences that I had during college,” says Williams. “I wrote a 100-page honors thesis about the politics of narcotics trafficking and the U.S. government’s role around it.”

Along with her Latin American studies classes, Williams’ freshman honors English class is among her fondest memories.

“I went through two semesters with the same classmates and still talk to those people today,” says Williams.

In addition to juggling classes, Williams was involved with Kent Interhall Council (KIC) for four years and served as KIC president.

“I really enjoy interacting with a lot of people,” Williams says. “As part of KIC, I had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people, manage an office and participate in university policy discussions on behalf of the residence hall students.”

Williams says her participation in KIC was excellent training for a role in state government. Now she continues to do what she loves. As interim Medicaid director, Williams works with a staff of 500 people and interacts with a number of general assembly members and government officials. In addition, Williams will also focus on program/policy issues such as cost containment, service delivery and policy direction.

When Williams is not working, she enjoys reading, traveling and gardening. She also remains connected to the university by serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Williams helped establish a Kent State University Alumni Association Central Ohio Chapter in August 2005.  

“Being involved with the Alumni Association has been a good way to continue to make connections with people,” says Williams. “We’re adding new members at each meeting, and that’s exciting.”