BALTIMORE, MD — HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) has named Traci Kodeck, a longtime senior leader at the organization, to serve as President and CEO, effective immediately.

Kodeck, who has been with HCAM since 2000, served for nine years as the organization’s Chief Program Officer. In that role, she participated in the strategic planning and business development plans to expand HCAM’s mission statewide; oversaw $10 million in state and local grants; and implemented several citywide initiatives, including care coordination for high utilizers of the 911 system, Operation Care and oversight of HCAM’s work with the B’more for Healthy Babies Initiative.

“The Board of Directors is so pleased that we were able to identify such a dynamic leader as Traci Kodeck to be at the helm of HCAM,” said Duane Taylor, CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers and Chair of the HCAM board. “Traci is extremely knowledgeable regarding the healthcare landscape in Maryland and is well-poised to lead the organization to new heights.”

Kodeck succeeds Kathleen Westcoat, who left HCAM last fall to become chief executive of Behavioral Health System Baltimore.

HCAM is a Baltimore-based nonprofit agency that connects residents to public healthcare coverage and helps them navigate the healthcare system effectively. The organization works with individuals, hospitals, policymakers and social services organizations to strengthen Maryland’s healthcare delivery system and make Maryland healthier.

HCAM’s programs include serving as the leader in the Baltimore region in helping people sign up for health insurance as part of the federal Affordable Care Act.

Kodeck earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Arizona in Tucson, focusing on health education and promotion. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and served two years in the Peace Corps as a community development worker in the Eastern Caribbean.

As CEO, Kodeck will be responsible for developing the strategic vision to move HCAM to the next level, leading day-to-day operations and managing finances. In concert with the HCAM Board, Kodeck will also be responsible for developing the strategic business and fundraising agenda for the organization.

HealthCare Access Maryland was established in 1997 as Baltimore HealthCare Access to initially assist with the Medicaid transition to managed care. After growing steadily, the agency broadened its reach to provide services to people throughout the state and adopted its current name in 2011.