Cindy Ehlers, MS, LCMHC, brings 35 years as a public servant to our state. She currently serves as the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Trillium Health Resources. She focuses on improving access to healthcare and affordability through innovative solutions. She previously served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Clinical Operations Officer at Trillium. Cindy has lead several major mergers and consolidations for Trillium during her tenure. Most recently, she was deeply involved in Trillium’s 46 county consolidation and operationalizing the Tailored Plan for Trillium, creating true whole person care for the BH-IDD-TBI population. Cindy is a leader in innovation for behavioral health and IDD and the life-long supports needed by these populations in NC.

Cindy is a champion for the implementation of evidence-based practices. In 2005, Cindy along with her colleagues were early adopters of Wellness Recovery Action Planning and Peer Support as a valued role in the system for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery. Cindy created Trillium’s Innovative Development department, which focuses on evidence-based approaches and innovative opportunities, to address healthcare needs and health disparities throughout North Carolina. She has worked in both in the public and private sectors. Cindy has developed many programs and services overcoming rural barriers to access and health related disparities to meet the service needs of the BH-IDD population.

Cindy offers a unique perspective in her role as an Executive in the NC Medicaid system, as she is both a parent and professional. Cindy has six children- several who have special needs; she was a therapeutic foster parent and is an adoptive parent. Cindy understands the system from the perspective of the MCO and as a parent of children with special healthcare needs. Her lived experience is unique to find in healthcare at this level in an organization.