Colorado Access Announces New Vice President of Government Relations
AURORA, Colo.— Colorado Access announces the addition of Liz Owens, vice president of government relations, to its executive leadership team. In the newly created role, Owens leads the organization’s government partnerships and contract strategy, including overseeing the organization’s Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) plans, policy engagement, and legislative advocacy, as well as ensuring alignment with state priorities to support Colorado Access’ mission.
“Liz has demonstrated exceptional leadership, insight, and commitment to the organization and the members we serve,” said Annie Lee, president and CEO at Colorado Access. “We know that in this new role, she will continue to positively impact the work being done at Colorado Access and build strong, strategic relationships with policymakers and community partners.”
Since joining Colorado Access, Owens has guided the organization through key initiatives, including the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Phase III contract with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Her work has helped position the organization to meet new expectations while continuing to advocate for the needs of members, providers, and partners.
“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for Medicaid in Colorado and across the country,” said Owens. “As proposed federal cuts threaten the coverage and services more than a million Coloradans rely on, our work in government relations has never been more important. I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that protect and strengthen Medicaid, and to ensuring that our members—and all Coloradans—can access the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Owens brings deep experience in health policy, strategy, and public service. Prior to her time at Colorado Access, she held senior leadership roles at the Colorado Department of Human Services. There, she played a pivotal role in the design and launch of Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), led the department’s behavioral health legislative agenda, and developed the I Matter youth therapy program—an innovative, first-in-the-nation model offering free mental health support to youth across the state.
Owens holds a Master of Arts in public policy and women’s studies from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication, with a minor in political science, from Drake University.
About Colorado Access
As the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, Colorado Access is a nonprofit organization that works beyond just navigating health services. The company focuses on meeting members’ unique needs by partnering with providers and community organizations to provide better personalized care through measurable results. Their broad and deep view of regional and local systems allows them to stay focused on members’ care while collaborating on measurable and economically sustainable systems that serve them better. Learn more at http://coaccess.com.