Penny Thompson

Penny is an independent consultant specializing in U.S. government health policy and operations, assisting clients in designing, marketing, and delivering innovative and successful business solutions in the healthcare market. Penny also serves on the board of CNSI/Kepro and Sellers Dorsey.

Penny has held a number of executive positions in the public and private sectors focused on sustaining and improving government healthcare programs. Former positions include chair of the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) and Deputy Director, the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Penny was a chief negotiator with states on 1115 waivers that made investments and set performance targets for delivery system reform. She also launched the Medicaid and CHIP Business and Information Technology Council (MACBIS), overseeing the initial design and beginning development for projects to improve and standardize Medicaid data and analytic products.