2021 Policy Conference Keynote Speakers

 

Mary Sowers

Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) 
April 6, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Sponsored by: Partners For Quality

Mary Sowers joined NASDDDS in 2014 and became the NASDDDS Executive Director on July 1, 2019. Before joining NASDDDS, Mary was with Mercer Government Human Services Consulting where she provided consultation and technical assistance to state governments on a wide array of Medicaid-related issues, with a focus on home and community-based services and managed long-term services and supports. 

Click here to learn more about Mary Sowers.

   
       
 

Jessica Benham
PA State Representative
April 6, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Sponsored by: Arlington Heritage Group

State Rep. Jessica Benham took office on a platform of fighting for the interests of residents in the 36th Legislative District and solving the critical problems that her constituents face: lack of access to quality health care and to economic opportunity, poor air and water quality, and failing infrastructure. Benham’s background is in advocacy for health care, education and worker’s rights, with experience advocating for legislation on the federal, state and local levels. 

Click here to learn more about Jessica Benham.

   
   

Meg Snead
DHS Secretary Nominee 
April 6, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Meg Snead has been nominated to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS) effective April 30, 2021. Meg assumed the role of the governor’s secretary of policy and planning in December 2018. Most recently, Meg served as a deputy policy secretary liaising on all policy development between the Governor’s Office and the policy offices at the departments of Health, Human Services, Insurance, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Aging.

 

Jen Swails
Budget Secretary
April 6, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Jen Swails joined Governor Wolf’s cabinet in January 2019 and brings to the position nearly 20 years of fiscal and policy experience at the commonwealth. Jen previously served the commonwealth in the Governor’s Office of the Budget, the Department of Human Services, and the Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee.