Telisha L. Joyner

I strive to bring a practical, business approach to my role as a Program Manager and Government Task Lead for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. My work focuses on the strategic planning of health information technology modernization programs that affect the delivery of healthcare to more than 90 million Medicare beneficiaries.

Prior to joining CMS, I enjoyed a challenging role as a Senior Information Consultant at Aetna. My daily work required me to articulate Aetna’s ability to rapidly adapt to changing health IT advances, envision the effect of changing situations on health care delivery, and devise effective methods for resolving issues. I also served as a leader in the Aetna Citizens’ Action Network, a grassroots advocacy group that served to empower 30,000+ employees by providing information and resources to better understand the issues at the forefront of health care reform.

Outside of my professional work - many topics interest me. I love to read; I write as often as I can; I'm a political junkie; and I love fashion; but I'm passionate about health literacy. My particular interest is in designing and implementing traditional and non-traditional community-based health literacy initiatives that address issues relative to racial & ethnic health disparities and population health.

I moved to Baltimore from Hartford a few years ago, but I must admit, even as a bonafide Southern Belle, New England has captured my heart. I hope to return to Connecticut soon.