Leah Zoladkiewicz
Woodbury,MN
Summary
Home and Community Based Services policy expert with over 20 years of expertise in disability services and HCBS waiver program management. Proven track record in spearheading complex policy reform projects, ensuring federal/state compliance, and maximizing financial participation. A trusted advisor to executive leadership and legislators, dedicated to designing integrated, transparent systems that improve service delivery for BI, CAC, CADI, and DD populations.
Experienced program consultant with proven track record in managing and optimizing programs to achieve targeted outcomes. Skilled in strategic planning, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement. Known for strong team collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Adept at navigating complex challenges and driving initiatives forward.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Services Program Consultant / Policy Specialist
MN Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division
01.2009 - Current
- Decade-Long Federal Compliance Leadership (HCBS Settings Rule): Directed the end-to-end development, negotiation, and final implementation of Minnesota’s HCBS Settings Rule Statewide Transition Plan. Successfully navigated ten years of federal scrutiny, stakeholder engagement, and CMS site visits to bring the state into full federal compliance.
- Complex SPA Negotiation & Approval (1915j/1915k): Spearheaded the comprehensive overhaul of the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) State Plan Amendments. Led multi-year “on-the-clock” and “off-the-clock” negotiations with CMS, resulting in final federal approval and the modernization of self-directed services in Minnesota.
- Federal Waiver Governance (1915c & 1115): Lead the strategic planning and legal analysis of federal waiver plans (BI, CAC, CADI, DD). Direct the submission of amendments to maximize Federal Financial Participation (FFP).
- Legislative Strategy & Advocacy: Serve as the Division Legislative Lead for waiver policy and compliance. Author impact statements, draft bill language, and provide expert testimony to legislators to ensure proposed state laws are operationally viable and maintain federal fiscal integrity.
- Regulatory & Financial Compliance: Lead the waiver service policy team, auditing processes to guarantee 100% compliance and maximize Federal Financial Participation (FFP)
- Strategic Planning & Governance: Establish long-range project goals, translating high-level division priorities into executable project charters. Recognized for “highest-level productivity” and the ability to balance complex data with decisive action
- Team Leadership & Mentorship: Act as the “first-call” technical resource for the division; mentor high-performing teams and foster a culture of transparency and proactive problem-solving
- Key Reform Initiatives Led:
- Waiver Structure Redesign: Principal lead for the fundamental restructuring of MN’s four disability waivers, including the development of a unified service menu.
- HCBS Settings Rule: Led the development and implementation of the Statewide Transition Plan and served as the primary liaison for all CMS site visits and communications.
- CMS Corrective Action Plan (CAP): Spearheaded the project to eliminate county contracts and develop uniform provider standards statewide.
Waiver Policy Program Administrator
MN Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division
12.2004 - 01.2009
- Federal Waiver Plan Management: Directed the end-to-end management of federally approved waiver plans (BI, CAC, CADI, DD), ensuring continuous fiscal and regulatory compliance
- Technical Assistance & Quality Assurance: Developed the “knowledge infrastructure” for 87 counties and tribal nations; provided expert-level training to ensure statewide consistency and compliance with federal Medicaid standards
- Key Reform Initiatives Led:
- Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS): Led the high-profile statewide implementation of CDCS, managing the transition to a model that empowered participants with greater choice and budget authority.
Program Coordinator / Direct Support Lead
Alliance Health Care
St. Paul, MN
06.2001 - 08.2004
- Managed the daily operations and service delivery for Medicaid HCBS programs, including in-home services and community-based supports for individuals with disabilities.
- Ensured provider-level compliance with DHS licensing standards and health safety protocols.
- Facilitated person-centered planning, gaining foundational insight into the practical challenges of HCBS waiver administration from the provider perspective.
- Approximate
Vocational Specialist / Job Coach
Partnership Resources, Inc. (PRI)
Minneapolis, MN
05.1999 - 05.2001
- Provided direct vocational support and job coaching for individuals with developmental disabilities in integrated community work settings.
- Collaborated with employers to advocate for inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations.
Education
Master of Arts - Integrated Studies
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN07-2003
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin, Stout
Menomonie, WI05-1999
Skills
- Policy & Legislation: Bill Drafting, Impact Analysis, Legislative Briefings
- Project Management: Business Project Management, Project Charters, Advisory Committee Leadership
- Federal Oversight: CMS Relations, Medicaid Waiver and State Plan Amendment Management
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Leadership development
Accomplishments
- Author of “[Article Title],” published in [Journal Name] in [Year].
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
Timeline
Human Services Program Consultant / Policy Specialist
MN Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division
01.2009 - Current
Waiver Policy Program Administrator
MN Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division
12.2004 - 01.2009
Program Coordinator / Direct Support Lead
Alliance Health Care
06.2001 - 08.2004
Vocational Specialist / Job Coach
Partnership Resources, Inc. (PRI)
05.1999 - 05.2001
Master of Arts - Integrated Studies
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin, Stout
National Recognition & Publications
- Federal Subject Matter Expert, CMS & ACL National Webinar Series: Invited by federal oversight agencies to present best practices for HCBS Settings Rule implementation.
- Featured Presenter, National HCBS Conference: Delivered peer-reviewed sessions on “System Transformation vs. Compliance Mindset.”
- Author, NLCDD Bulletin, Edition 8 (2023): Provided expert analysis on the intersection of disability services and systems transformation.