As Senior Director of Policy, Kersten leads the development of policy positioning and associated advocacy and thought leadership strategies for expanding access to care and strengthening the delivery system. This includes fostering partnerships and promoting best practices to improve the health and wellbeing of those served by Medicaid. Prior to joining UnitedHealthcare, Kersten served as the Director of Federal & State Affairs with the National Association of Community Health Centers where she led policy strategy and advocacy efforts to enhance the ability of health centers to deliver integrated, high-quality care in communities across the country. Kersten also held policy positions with other non-profits, including the Center for Health Research and Transformation at the University of Michigan. Kersten has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Studies from Hope College in Holland, MI and a Master's in Public Policy from George Mason University in Virginia.