REACH Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce Nate Madden as its new Director of Health Policy, strengthening the foundation’s capacity to advance health equity through informed policy and advocacy across Kansas and Missouri.
Madden will lead the development and advancement of REACH’s health policy agenda, working closely with foundation leadership and partners to track major policy changes and reforms, inform positions on key issues, and strengthen engagement with community organizations and public leaders across the region.
The role is designed to further integrate policy into REACH’s broader approach to community investment, recognizing the connection between public policy, systems change, and community health. Madden’s work will support the foundation’s efforts to elevate community-informed perspectives, align policy priorities with grantmaking strategies, and contribute to long-term improvements in access, affordability, and health outcomes.
Madden brings more than a decade of experience spanning policy advocacy, evaluation, and applied research. In his prior role with Health Forward Foundation, he led state-level policy advocacy in Kansas and Missouri, supporting outcomes across the foundation’s purpose areas. His work included managing a multimillion-dollar portfolio supporting policy advocacy, health equity, and civic engagement; delivering written and in-person testimony; conducting policy research; and engaging legislators and community partners to advance shared policy priorities.
Previously, Madden served as an evaluation analyst at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where he managed grant portfolios and led learning-focused evaluations designed to strengthen strategy, innovation, and community engagement. Earlier in his career, he worked as a research and policy analyst at the Kansas Center for Economic Growth, contributing research and analysis that supported successful efforts to repeal the 2012 Kansas tax-cut experiment and advance racial equity, education funding, and economic stability. Across roles, his work has centered on translating data and research into actionable policy solutions grounded in community experience.
“Nate brings a deep understanding of the policy landscape, a strong commitment to community engagement, and a proven record in health advocacy,” said President and CEO of REACH, Brenda Sharpe. “We are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to the leadership and perspective he will bring as we continue to deepen our healthy policy efforts to improve health care access and equity across Kansas and Missouri.”
Madden said he is looking forward to joining REACH at a pivotal moment and contributing to work already underway across the region.
“I’m thrilled to join REACH as their Director of Health Policy. In many ways, this role feels like ‘coming home’. I get to continue my passion for policy and advocacy work on health equity, and also learn from and with our grantees and community members about their work, lives, and dreams. I look forward to working in solidarity alongside all our partners in our service area and beyond to make our region healthy, equitable, and welcoming for all.”
To learn more about Nate Madden and the REACH team, visit our website. For inquiries or to connect with Nate directly, please email nate@reachhealth.com.
