Heather Smith is a director at the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), where she analyzes state policies designed to improve population health and advance health and racial equity, particularly for children and families, including children with special health care needs. She leads research and provides technical assistance to states. Focus areas include Medicaid payment, care delivery, and performance measurement strategies to promote access to integrated and coordinated care for at-risk children and families. Prior to joining NASHP in 2022, Heather worked in state government for 13 years in the Kansas Title V Maternal and Child Health program, serving most recently as the Kansas MCH Director. Serving as the Kansas Title V Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Director, Heather established a robust focus on family and consumer partnership and provided leadership in strategic planning and alignment and Title V service delivery for this population. Heather holds a master’s degree in public health from Missouri State University.