FAMU grad named President and CEO of Kansas City's Health Forward Foundation

FAMU grad Qiana Thomason, 42, has been named President and CEO of the Health Forward Foundation in Kansas City, MO.  

The Health Forward Foundation makes about $20 million in grants every year to organizations geared toward eliminating barriers and promoting quality health for the Kansas City regions uninsured and underserved. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded about $315 million in grants.  According to it's website, “our continued focus on the areas of mental health, safety net, and healthy communities have helped tackle the pressing health issues facing those most in need in our communities.”  The Foundation currently has about $725 million in assets.

Thomason previously served as Vice President, Community Health and Health Equity, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City for eight years. She previously served as vice president of population health at Blue Cross. Before that, she spent eight years at Swope Health in various capacities, including director of clinical operations.

She holds a B.S. in social work from FAMU, and the MSW degree from the University of Kansas. 

Editors note:  This story first appeared on Rattler Nation on January 8, 2020.