Drew Snyder Departing Medicaid After Nearly 7 Years; Governor Reeves Names Cindy Bradshaw Successor

JACKSON, MS - Governor Tate Reeves today announced that Mississippi Division of Medicaid Executive Director Drew Snyder is leaving Mississippi state government to return to the private sector later this year. Governor Reeves has chosen Deputy Executive Director Cindy Bradshaw as his successor. Snyder and Bradshaw will be working closely over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Snyder’s anticipated final day is October 31, 2024.

Snyder was initially appointed executive director in January 2018. He is one of the five longest-serving Medicaid directors in the U.S. and is Mississippi’s longest-serving Medicaid director this century.  

“Drew Snyder is a talented and dedicated public servant who has driven positive, lasting change in our state’s Medicaid program,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “I appreciate his acumen and his exemplary leadership and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his career.”

Snyder spearheaded numerous reforms to enable the Division of Medicaid to better prioritize its resources and capture cost savings, and the agency still operates below its 2016 state-supported funding level. He was instrumental in the transformational payment that generated additional revenue for the state’s hospitals. Under his direction, Mississippi Medicaid moved to more quality-based provider reimbursements, implemented more rigorous oversight of vendors, adopted new policies making it easier for members to access services, and overhauled digital operations.

“Working with the Division of Medicaid team, health care professionals, state leaders, and other partners to enhance value and elevate quality in the Mississippi Medicaid program has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” Snyder said. “I’m pleased with the progress that has been made, and I’m optimistic about what can be accomplished in the years ahead for the betterment of Medicaid members and Mississippi’s economic health.” 

Cindy Bradshaw has been serving as Medicaid’s Deputy Executive Director for Eligibility since April 2023. Bradshaw has helped shepherd the agency through the unprecedented unwinding of the 3-year public health emergency. Previously, Bradshaw was State Insurance Administrator, where she oversaw a billion-dollar annual portfolio that included the 200,000-member State and School Employees’ Life and Health Insurance Plan. Bradshaw also has nearly two decades of experience in health plan operations for private insurers.

“With deep experience in health plan operations in the public and private sectors, Cindy Bradshaw is well-prepared to lead Mississippi’s Medicaid program. She has a proven record of elevating operational performance and advancing initiatives aimed at improving outcomes and protecting taxpayers. She is an excellent choice to ensure continuity and continued progress in the Medicaid program,” said Governor Reeves.