FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2026

ARLINGTON, VA — ADvancing States is pleased to announce the members of the 2026 class of Next Gen HCBS Leaders, a distinguished group of emerging state professionals advancing home- and community-based services (HCBS) nationwide.

Over the coming year, these selected leaders will engage in national peer networking, receive mentorship from experienced HCBS leaders, and deepen their expertise across a broad range of policy and operational issues impacting aging and disability systems. They will attend the 2026 ADvancing States Spring Meeting and the 2026 HCBS Conference and participate in the Foundational Leadership in HCBS training program, offered in partnership with the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The need for this program was originally identified by the ADvancing States Board of Directors, members of the MLTSS Institute Advisory Council and former state LTSS leaders which comprise the Alumni Leadership Network. Faced with increasing responsibilities, reduced staff and a wave of retirements, state agencies need support for leaders to continue to provide effective and high-quality HCBS to their citizens. 

Through this experience, the 2026 cohort will strengthen leadership capacity, foster cross-state collaboration, and enhance their ability to deliver effective, high-quality HCBS in their respective states.

The 2026 Next Gen HCBS Leaders program is generously supported by UnitedHealthcare, Molina Healthcare, and Pulselight. ADvancing States extends its sincere appreciation to these sponsors for their commitment to investing in the next generation of state HCBS leadership.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 cohort:        

Jackie Suikola Tompkins, California Department of Aging

Amy Miller, Colorado Department of Human Services

Michael Peccerilli, Connecticut Department of Social Services

Allison Hendrickson, Delaware Division of Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities

Taesha Ward, Georgia Department of Community Health

Alana Souza, Hawaii Department of Human Services

Alyssa Matthews, Louisiana Department of Health

Brian Glennon, Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence

Verdavia Coleman, Mississippi Department of Human Services

Carol Burt, North Carolina Division of Aging

Jack Teters, New Jersey Department of Human Services

Delia Tucker, New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities

Joncia Johnson, Oklahoma Human Services

Jodi Winship, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Susanne Trexler, Vermont Department of Health Access