Emily Zalkovsky
Texas State Medicaid Director, Texas Health and Human Services
LBJ School of Public Affairs, Master of Public Affairs 2005
LBJ School Governor’s Executive Development Program 2016
What I do
I have the privilege of overseeing the Texas Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provide health care services and long-term care to over 4 million low-income Texans, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
What inspires my passion for public service
I was drawn to public service because I have always been energized by helping people, but seeing the difference Medicaid makes in people’s lives keeps me going. This program is a lifeline for so many Texans.
How the LBJ School of Public Affairs prepared me
I appreciate the LBJ School's skilled generalist approach to developing new policy leaders. In state government and especially Medicaid, you can never know everything. The skilled generalist approach gave me the foundational skills to navigate uncertainty.
Something that might surprise people
I left the public sector for a few years to work in the private sector. It wasn't right for me at the time, so I came back, but I'm grateful for the experience. I was able to take a break and see a different side of things. Ultimately, it reaffirmed my commitment to public service.
My advice for others considering a role in public service
There are a lot of jobs out there, but the impact you can make on people's lives with a career in public service is hard to come by.