“I believe in building healthier systems by empowering people, advancing policy, and leading with integrity.”
LaVonda Adkins is an accomplished healthcare executive whose professional journey spans over three decades, marked by transformative leadership in reimbursement policy, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration. As Director of Program Management in Reimbursement Policy at Elevance Health, LaVonda has cultivated a reputation for operational excellence, visionary thinking, and an unwavering commitment to healthcare equity. Her story is one of growth, resilience, and service—anchored in a deep understanding of both public and private sector health systems and a profound dedication to improving lives.
LaVonda’s career began with a foundational focus on community justice and service. As a probation officer in Portsmouth, Virginia, she pioneered employment assistance programs for individuals seeking a second chance—an early testament to her instinct for designing solutions that uplift marginalized communities. That drive for impact carried over into her tenure in the U.S. Coast Guard, where she served with distinction at the E-5 level, developing systems to optimize supply chain processes and operational accountability. These formative experiences solidified her leadership ethos: to lead with purpose, precision, and empathy.
Transitioning into the healthcare sector in the early 2000s, LaVonda joined Amerigroup (now Elevance Health) and quickly rose through the ranks by demonstrating not only technical fluency but also an ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Her early roles involved interfacing with policy, coding standards, and billing systems—critical components in the fabric of managed care. Through consistent performance and thought leadership, she earned the trust of executives and peers alike, culminating in her appointment as Director of Reimbursement Policy, where she now oversees policy implementation across more than 50 Medicaid and 15 commercial markets.
In this role, LaVonda’s impact is both wide-reaching and deeply strategic. She has led multimillion-dollar savings initiatives by streamlining internal operations and harmonizing disparate reimbursement frameworks. Her ability to bring alignment between government and commercial payment policies has been instrumental in maintaining regulatory compliance while fostering innovation. Through her guidance, Elevance has not only sustained but expanded its capabilities in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
One of LaVonda’s defining achievements has been the establishment of a robust reimbursement policy program that enhances decision-making, improves audit readiness, and strengthens communication across departments. She is a master at translating complex regulatory mandates into clear, actionable policies—ensuring that stakeholders across business units, from contracting teams to provider relations, operate with clarity and confidence. Her leadership has enabled smoother implementations of new market programs and bolstered provider engagement through resource development and process transparency.
Beyond her technical contributions, LaVonda is an advocate for inclusive leadership and mentorship. She serves as a mentor for AHIP’s Minority Management Development Program and is a sought-after speaker at events such as the Women’s Leadership Council. Her ability to inspire future leaders while championing diversity and inclusion speaks to her holistic approach to leadership—one that values human connection as much as organizational outcomes.
Her dedication to service extends into the nonprofit space, where she actively participates on local boards and supports grassroots initiatives centered on youth accountability, women’s advocacy, and community wellness. She sees board leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility—a platform to amplify voices, build bridges, and drive systemic improvement. For LaVonda, governance is about stewardship, and she brings both heart and strategy to every organization she serves.
LaVonda is also a lifelong learner and policy innovator. With formal education in criminal justice and a suite of certifications from leading healthcare and leadership institutions, including AHIP and Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School, she integrates analytical thinking with a real-world understanding of health systems. She is particularly passionate about leveraging technologies such as machine learning and data visualization to inform evidence-based policymaking and improve health outcomes.
Throughout her career, LaVonda has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead change in environments where the stakes are high and the outcomes matter. Whether navigating Medicaid complexities or modernizing provider engagement, she combines policy expertise with interpersonal fluency to deliver results that resonate across business, government, and community spheres. Her work is a blueprint for what is possible when strategy meets compassion.
As she looks to future board opportunities, LaVonda brings not just experience, but vision. She seeks roles that allow her to continue learning, contributing, and collaborating with mission-driven peers. Her passion lies at the intersection of healthcare policy, public service, and equity—a place where she can leverage decades of experience to shape systems that serve everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Character:
LaVonda leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose—qualities reflected in her service to underserved communities and her mentorship of future leaders. Her commitment to equity and justice guides her every decision, ensuring that her leadership uplifts not just organizations but also the people they serve.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of professional experience, including 17 in healthcare policy, LaVonda possesses a deep and nuanced understanding of reimbursement systems, government compliance, and operational strategy. Her academic credentials and continuing professional development underscore her commitment to staying ahead in a complex and changing industry.
Strategic:
LaVonda’s approach is rooted in long-term thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable outcomes. She has successfully led multi-market initiatives and cost-saving programs that have had both immediate and sustained impact on organizational efficiency and policy integrity.
Communication:
A gifted communicator and public speaker, LaVonda excels at breaking down complex regulatory language into digestible strategies for diverse audiences. Her collaborative style fosters transparency, trust, and shared understanding—making her an indispensable bridge between stakeholders at every level.
