Policy & Practice | April 2022

staff spotlight

Name: Jess Maneely Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Technology and Analytics Time at APHSA: I joined APHSA in July 2021 Life Before APHSA: My prior experience includes more than five years with Benefits Data Trust (BDT), where I supported systems change efforts by managing technical assistance projects with state agencies administering various health and human services programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Medicaid. I have also worked as an outreach specialist assisting individuals with benefit applications for SNAP, Medicaid, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and other federal, state, and local programs. Priorities at APHSA: I help lead APHSA’s national policy work to accelerate process improvements that reduce barriers to accessing services and provide human-centered, equitable services delivery. Current projects in my portfolio

include leading the Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports cohort, facilitating workgroups focused on internal systems and client-facing systems as part of a research part- nership documenting the use of SNAP ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funding, and managing APHSA’s efforts surrounding tax credit awareness for state and local health and human services agencies. I also support our internal priorities surrounding data and evidence, strategic partnerships, and project management. What I Can Do for Our Members: I can provide technical assistance for cross-program alignment efforts, strategies for streamlining practice, and assist with process and practice implementation informed by human-centered design principles. Best Way to Reach Me: I can be reached via email at jmaneely@aphsa.org When Not Working: I’m getting outside, traveling, and catching up on quality time with friends and family. Motto to Live By: Start where you are.

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