Cheryl Gardner was appointed as the Executive Director of Georgia Access in May 2023. An accomplished seasoned health policy executive, Cheryl brings a wealth of public and private sector experience in developing, managing and implementing innovative health policy solutions to increase efficiency and modernize systems and processes.
As executive director of Georgia Access, Cheryl is responsible for overseeing strategic direction in all functions of the division, including engagement, outreach, policy, operations, compliance, and technology infrastructure. She manages all coordination with key stakeholders in federal, and state government along with professional, community and civic organizations.
Cheryl’s previous roles include founder, Gardner Strategies, a health policy advisory company that counsels states and private entities on marketplace strategies. She previously served in marketplace leadership in three states: CEO of New Mexico’s Health Insurance Exchange; Executive Director of the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace (AHIM); and as Director of Policy and Strategy, Utah Health Exchange.
Cheryl holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University.