Georgia Department of Community Health Announces Russel Carlson as Chief Health Policy Officer

ATLANTA (July 1, 2022) – The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) announced today Russel Carlson has joined the agency as Chief Health Policy Officer. In this role, he will lead the agency’s health policy initiatives and provide oversight to the Medicaid and State Health Benefit Plan programs, helping ensure consistent and effective approaches across the agency.

Carlson brings years of both state government and healthcare experience that he’ll draw upon to foster and maintain strong relationships with key agency stakeholders. He’ll also play an instrumental role in providing strategic direction and leadership during the implementation of the agency’s key priorities over the coming years.

“Russel’s background makes him well-suited to drive our health policy strategy,” says DCH Commissioner Caylee Noggle. “His understanding of the healthcare industry, state government policies and practices, and the Department will serve us well as we continue to serve Georgians by providing access to quality and affordable healthcare.”

Carlson most recently served as Vice President of Government Relations with the Georgia Health Care Association, where he worked to advance the healthcare priorities of the association’s members. Formerly serving as the highest-ranking civilian in the Department of Defense as the Deputy Adjutant General, he provided leadership and oversight for all administrative functions and more than 550 employees. He has held numerous other roles where he led policy, budget, and administrative functions within complex state government organizations. Carlson has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and is a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2014.