Kody
Kinsley

Kody Kinsley, member of APCO’s International Advisory Council and Health Advisory Board, brings a unique combination of strategic insight and operational expertise in health policy, operations and government affairs. With a career spanning senior roles in federal and state government, Kody has developed a reputation for navigating complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions.

As North Carolina’s 18th Secretary of Health and Human Services, he oversaw one of the largest state health agencies in the country, managing a $38 billion budget and leading efforts to improve health outcomes and operational efficiency. During his tenure, Kody spearheaded transformative initiatives to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for underserved and rural communities. He led the bipartisan expansion of Medicaid, providing coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians in its first year — twice the anticipated pace. Under his leadership, North Carolina secured $835 million in behavioral health investments, implemented groundbreaking reforms to expand access to mental health and substance use services and launched the nation’s first large-scale Health Opportunities Pilots, demonstrating the impact of addressing non-medical health needs like food and housing. Kody also partnered with hospitals across the state to deliver $6.5 billion in medical debt relief for 2.5 million residents.

His leadership extends to the federal level, where he served in key positions at the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he was appointed by President Barack Obama and continued under President Donald Trump as Assistant Secretary for Management.

Kody’s ability to align policy, strategy and operations has made him a trusted advisor to organizations navigating the complexities of health systems, regulatory environments and government affairs.  A respected voice to the media and on national stages, Kody is sought after for his track record of delivering complex political and operational environments. He currently serves as a senior policy advisor at Johns Hopkins University, a senior advisor with the Milken Institute and a fellow of the Aspen Institute. Kody partners with national organizations to deliver lasting change by bringing leaders together, setting bold policy agendas and charting practical, nonpartisan paths from vision to action. He advises private companies on strategy, helps them navigate complex regulations and builds better products that improve health. Kinsley also regularly speaks on national stages and engages the media to shape conversations on bipartisan collaboration, health and policy — with a steady focus on service and impact.