JACKSON – Gov. Phil
Bryant has appointed Drew L. Snyder interim executive director of the
Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Snyder will replace Dr. David Dzielak, who is
retiring.
“I appreciate Dr. Dzielak’s 30 years
of service to the people of Mississippi, including six years leading the
Division of Medicaid,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Drew has a firm grasp on the
issues that affect Medicaid and the beneficiaries it serves. His intellect and
demeanor make him the perfect choice to guide the agency during this period of
transition. I am happy he has accepted this appointment.”
A Eupora native, Snyder is the deputy
chief of staff for Gov. Bryant. He also serves as his policy director and
counsel. Prior to working with Gov. Bryant, Snyder worked as an assistant
secretary of state for Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.
As interim executive director, Snyder
will oversee the agency responsible for providing health coverage for eligible,
low-income populations. Medicaid has almost 1,000 employees in its central
office, 30 regional offices and 80 outstations.
“I am grateful for the trust Gov.
Bryant has placed in me,” Snyder said. “My immediate focus will involve
gathering input from stakeholders on ways to transparently and efficiently
fulfill Medicaid’s stated mission of responsibly providing access to quality
healthcare to vulnerable Mississippians.”
Snyder serves on the Mississippi
Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees and chairs the Business
Law Section of the Mississippi Bar. He was the non-legislative member of
last year’s Legislative Tax Reform Working Group. He is a member of the Uniform
Law Commission.
Before entering the public sector,
Snyder practiced law at Hollingsworth LLP in Washington, D.C., specializing in
complex and multi-district litigation, with a focus on pharmaceutical and
medical device matters. He received a bachelor’s degree from the
University of Mississippi and a juris doctorate from University of Virginia
School of Law.
Snyder and his wife, Camille, live in
Jackson. They have one son, Jeb.
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