Sarah M. Alquist
Summary
With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, I have a proven track record in client-facing business development, government relations, and healthcare policy. I am a professional with deep expertise in association management, known for driving member engagement, optimizing operational efficiency, and leading successful initiatives. I place a strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving results, while demonstrating adaptability to changing needs. I am skilled in strategic planning, budget management, advocacy and stakeholder communication. Reliable and results-oriented, I am ready to make a significant impact.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Growth Officer/SVP Growth
Carelon Behavioral Health
01.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded the recruitment, training, and mentorship of a growth team focused on generating new business opportunities and maintaining a robust client pipeline in the public sector and health plan domains
- Championed marketing and lead generation efforts to public and private sector buyers
- Orchestrated a national government affairs strategy to drive public sector partnerships.
- Orchestrated cross-enterprise collaboration to develop compelling proposals that drive business growth
- Partnered with Product Development and Operations teams to convert market opportunities into cost-effective, innovative products and solutions
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Established strong partnerships with key industry players, enhancing the company's reputation and enabling successful collaborations.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Identified emerging trends and technologies, incorporating them into the company''s growth strategy for competitive advantage.
- Financial oversight of $6M budget.
- Developed and executed long-term strategic plans for sustained business growth, resulting in increased market share and profitability.
Regional Vice President, Growth
Carelon Behavioral Health
03.2018 - 01.2023
- Progressively elevated from Sales Executive to West Growth Leader, overseeing the development and execution of Carelon's external growth strategy across 27 states
- Expanded the company's presence in new territories, establishing valuable partnerships and increasing market penetration.
- Increased regional sales by developing and implementing strategic sales plans.
- Drove marketing initiatives to public and private sector purchasers
- Orchestrated a regional government affairs strategy to drive public sector partnerships.
Manager, Business Development & Clinical Implementation
Centene Corporation
10.2016 - 03.2018
- Pioneered new market cultivation efforts for behavioral health providers and stakeholders.
- Developed Request for Proposal (RFP) responses tailored to state-specific requirements and political environments.
- Coordinated with product and operations teams to ensure the effective delivery of promised products.
- Oversaw the smooth implementation of behavioral health, disease management, and nurse advice line programs.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer of contractual obligations, operational duties and state reporting requirements with newly onboarded health plan leadership.
Director of Business Development
Valley Hope
10.2014 - 10.2016
- Advise business on local and national policies affecting the development and utilization of services
- Serve as Public Information Officer
- Development of a business case and launch of a division (market development team)
- Recruit, train and oversee a multi-state development team and multiple contractors
- Ownership of the marketing division P/L ($1.2M annual budget)
- Identify best practices and emerging trends for effective treatment and assist the organization in implementation of policy and practice
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
Chief Operations Officer
State Associations of Addiction Services (now National Council)
03.2012 - 10.2014
- Review and analyze proposed legislation and regulations recommending changes to promote the interests of the association's membership
- Provide financial and operational oversight for a $2.4M budget
- Serve as assistant project lead of 'BH business' a multi-million dollar SAMHSA funded project
- Coordinate conferences and meetings such as the associations' national conference, annual meeting, and annual advocacy conference
- Recruit, contract and monitor performance of national talent to act as 'coaches' for the federal project
Executive Director
Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals
06.2010 - 03.2012
- Responsible for strategic planning, development, member service and financial performance
- Primary representative of the association, responsible for representing and communicating the associations view points and building partnerships with government agencies, legislators, stakeholders and coalitions
- Propose and develop training and technical assistance opportunities for substance use disorder treatment programs to facilitate program success and prepare providers for health care reform
- Work in collaboration with the legislative research department and the reviser of statutes to develop state legislation to advance member priorities and services including HB 2577, the Addiction Counselor Licensure Act
- Development and direction of organizations public policy program including oversight of legislative and lobbying activities, and the development and delivery of legislative testimony
- Oversight of all internal and external communications and publications including press releases, position statements, bulletins, and website content
Executive Director
Corner House, Inc.
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Functioned as the chief executive officer responsible for oversight and management of organization, including full P/L responsibility
- Supervised 20+ employees and contractual staff
- Direct, plan, and implement policies, objectives, and activities of the organization
- Deliver speeches and present information at meetings to promote services and provide education on substance use disorders and effective treatment
- Serve as KAAP Public Policy Chairwoman and President-Elect, leading the organization in analysis of key policy issues, providing legislative testimony and cultivation of relationships with state leadership and policy makers
MH Outcomes Manager/Special Projects Coordinator
State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (now KDADS)
08.2004 - 08.2007
- Assist in implementation of the Pre-Paid Ambulatory Health Plan (PAHP) for Medicaid services
- Assist in the drafting and submission state plan amendments
- Creation of MCO oversight activities to assure compliance to federal guidelines
- Drafting of standards for care for various behavioral health services including the development of the State alcohol and drug treatment standards
- Assist in creation of policy, planning and the launch of Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
- Oversight of the states' licensing of mental health centers and substance abuse treatment facilities
- Development and presentation of legislative testimony on behalf of the state agency
- Development, dissemination and training on statewide policy to agency executives and top managers
- Creation of Requests for Proposals, selection of grant awardees and monitoring of special grants
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS05-2004
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS12-2000
Skills
* Visionary strategic thinker
* Exceptional financial acumen
* Strong collaborative leader
* Deep expertise in association management
* Masterful communication, negotiation, and public speaking
* Decisive, accurate, and confident problem solver
Secondary Employment
Professor (Adjunct), Washburn University (2010-2013)
Professor (Adjunct), Allen County Community College (2005-2010)
Timeline
Chief Growth Officer/SVP Growth
Carelon Behavioral Health
01.2023 - Current
Regional Vice President, Growth
Carelon Behavioral Health
03.2018 - 01.2023
Manager, Business Development & Clinical Implementation
Centene Corporation
10.2016 - 03.2018
Director of Business Development
Valley Hope
10.2014 - 10.2016
Chief Operations Officer
State Associations of Addiction Services (now National Council)
03.2012 - 10.2014
Executive Director
Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals
06.2010 - 03.2012
Executive Director
Corner House, Inc.
08.2007 - 06.2010
MH Outcomes Manager/Special Projects Coordinator
State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (now KDADS)
08.2004 - 08.2007
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Emporia State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Emporia State University
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