Virginia "Ginny" Rountree is set to become the new director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) on Oct. 6, as announced by Governor Katie Hobbs. Rountree, an esteemed Tucson-based authority in health and human services, touts more than ten years' worth of expertise within both AHCCCS and the Department of Economic Security (DES), coupled with notable stints in the private sector.
Her predecessor, Kristen Challacombe has occupied the interim director position since April of this year, and will be resuming her former duties within the agency. Governor Hobbs praised Rountree's commitment and insight, "Her expertise and passion for serving our community prepared her to lead this critical agency," Hobbs stated. "I’m confident she will help us protect and enhance vital health care for everyday Arizonans."
Rountree's track record includes a role as deputy director of community services and managed care at DES, where she was in charge for five years, supervising divisions handling developmental disabilities, child care, and Adult Protective Services. Her prior experience with AHCCCS includes acting as assistant director of the Division of Healthcare Management from 2014-2019, on top of her work with UnitedHealth Community Plan.
Expressing gratitude for her appointment, Rountree remarked, "I am honored that Governor Hobbs has given me this opportunity to be able to serve Arizonans as the AHCCCS Director," according to an announcement. "Access to high quality, whole-person care to help Arizonans live healthier lives is of the highest priority. I am excited to help strengthen the Medicaid system for those it serves and move this most important priority forward." She steps into the role with a strong background in nursing, having obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia Union College in Maryland.
