KHI Promotes Schmidt and Kovach to Leadership Roles

Schmidt will focus on access to health care and Kovach on public health services and systems

2 Min Read

Aug 02, 2024

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Kansas Health Institute

Photo of Schmidt and Kovach

Topeka, Kansas — The Kansas Health Institute (KHI) is pleased to announce the promotion of two staff members to leadership roles. Both have played significant roles in furthering research and education about health policy issues in Kansas.

Sheena L. Schmidt, M.P.P., has been promoted to Senior Analyst & Strategy Team Leader. In that role, she will lead strategic planning and programmatic activities related to access to care, including Medicaid and other publicly funded programs, the health care workforce and rural health issues.

“Sheena has consistently sought out opportunities to lead projects and proposals related to access to care, and particularly Medicaid policy,” said Kari M. Bruffett, KHI President and CEO. “Working with colleagues, she has led perennial projects such as our Medicaid expansion estimates and the Medicaid Primer, which is a collaboration with the Kansas Legislative Research Department. Sheena has built partnerships throughout the state with organizations interested in access to care issues.”

Kevin Kovach, Dr.P.H., M.Sc., has been promoted to Senior Analyst & Portfolio Strategist and will lead planning and activities for KHI’s public health services and systems portfolio.

“Kevin, with the help of KHI staff and external stakeholders, will lead planning and activities for KHI’s work in public health services and systems,” said Bruffett. “His work on the Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century blog series and as co-director of the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub has provided opportunities for KHI to build on and expand relationships among public health practitioners and thought leaders.”

KHI staff members have a wide range of expertise on health-related topics. Learn more about their areas of focus on our website.

About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

Learn More About KHI