Frank W. Berry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health announces the hire of Blake T. Fulenwider as Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Medicaid Chief, effective September 15, 2017. Fulenwider brings broad-based health care policy knowledge to his new role.

Prior to this appointment, Fulenwider was Partner and Georgia Director of Total Spectrum, a policy consulting practice that provided in-depth guidance to clients regarding federal and state-level legislative health care reform developments. He also worked directly with private sector clients and state officials throughout Georgia, providing critical policy analysis and guidance on a wide range of health care issues.

“Blake’s extensive background in health care policy and its implementation encompasses the experience we were looking for in filling this position,” said Berry. “With the changing landscape of health care, it was important that we bring someone on board who understands the intricacies of Medicaid; someone who can hit the ground running in making sure the agency is providing the best possible options for Georgians. I have the upmost confidence that Blake is that person, and look forward to working with him as he assumes this role.”

From 2006-2010, Fulenwider served with then-Congressman Nathan Deal handling health care policy issues in the Health Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Fulenwider has also held previous roles with the agency as Deputy Commissioner from 2011-2013, and was the Healthcare Reform Administrator with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget from 2013-2015, providing budget and policy support to the Governor, Chief Financial Officer and senior staff.

Fulenwider received his Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.