Leslie Schwalbe

Leslie Schwalbe is currently the VP of State and Local Government Programs at Optum, where they support behavioral health services for Medicaid members. With over a decade of experience as a Healthcare Consultant, Leslie collaborated with numerous states and organizations to enhance the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Prior to their role at Optum, they served as the Deputy Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services, managing statewide programs for behavioral health and improving services for individuals with serious mental illnesses. Leslie holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University and a BA in Political Science and Government from Montclair State University.