Oklahoma Health Care Authority welcomes new chief operating officer, appoints two long-standing leaders to executive roles

Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority welcomes Sherri White as chief operating officer and announces the promotion of Carolyn Reconnu-Shoffner as chief clinical officer and Christina Foss as state Medicaid director, in addition to her role as chief of staff. 

As chief operating officer, White will oversee Medicaid program operations, including managed care, data and quality, provider relations and eligibility and coverage services. With more than two decades of leadership in managed care, Medicaid, Medicare and commercial health insurance programs, White brings a wealth of experience in startup success, operational excellence and transformative leadership.  

She most recently served as chief executive officer of Oklahoma CommunityPartners Health Plan, leading the launch of a Medicaid startup aligned with OHCA’s strategic goals. As vice president of operations at CommunityCare HMO, she oversaw core business functions and implemented strategies that improved efficiency, growth and service delivery. White has also held executive roles Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Health Care Service Corporation. 

“Sherri’s deep experience will help strengthen OHCA’s operational foundation and improve our ability to deliver quality services to the people of Oklahoma,” said Ellen Buettner, OHCA chief executive officer. “Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, innovation and a passion for building systems that deliver meaningful health outcomes for Oklahomans.” 

White holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has earned certifications in corporate strategy, facilitation and executive management. 

Carolyn Reconnu-Shoffner has been named chief clinical officer and will continue to oversee the agency’s clinical operations. Reconnu-Shoffner has served at OHCA for 21 years in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as deputy state Medicaid director. Her extensive background includes work in care management, behavioral health, non-emergency medical transportation and Medicaid service delivery. Reconnu-Shoffner earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thiel College and has been a registered nurse for 38 years and a certified case manager for 29 years. 

“Throughout my 26 years of service to the Medicaid population, I have been driven by the desire to improve the lives of the citizens of Oklahoma, many of whom are facing the most challenging health-related situations of their lives,” Reconnu-Shoffner said. “I look forward to the expanded opportunity to serve our members and their providers in meeting their healthcare needs and goals.” 

Christina Foss, currently OHCA's chief of staff, has been appointed state Medicaid director. In her expanded role, Foss will oversee state and federal policy, in addition to communications and government affairs. A seasoned public servant with a background in governmental and public affairs, Foss previously led government affairs for OHCA and has held positions with the Oklahoma Department of Labor and the U.S. House of Representatives. She returned to OHCA in 2021 after serving as policy director at 929 Strategies. 

“Public service has been the cornerstone of my career, and being part of the OHCA team is not just a role but an honor,” Foss said. “It's a privilege to be a part of an outcome-driven agency making a meaningful impact in the lives of Oklahomans.” 

Foss holds a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University and a bachelor’s degree in classics and letters from the University of Oklahoma. 

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