Mark D. Birdwhistell currently serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer for the University of Kentucky Medical Center. In this capacity he represents UK HealthCare at the local, state and national levels. Prior to this position, Birdwhistell served in senior leadership roles in the private and public sector, including Secretary for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services and Chief Executive Officer for CHA Health. He has over 30 years experience in healthcare, with specific expertise in Medicaid policy.
During his tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Birdwhistell received recognition from the federal government, advocacy organizations and the national media for his role in the design of Kentucky's progressive Medicaid modernization agenda. He also championed and secured passage of legislation for social worker safety reform and promoted efforts to improve services for Kentucky's aging population.
As CEO of CHA Health, a regional health plan serving 100,000 members, Birdwhistell led the troubled health plan through a successful financial and operational turnaround.
Birdwhistell has received numerous awards for his achievements in the area of health care and disability rights, and has been published on topics such as private health insurance and Medicaid. He earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky Martin School for Public Policy.