Mathematica, a leading insight partner for change agents in the public and private sectors, has announced two senior additions to the company’s expanding Health team. Joshua D. Baker will serve as a principal researcher in the Medicaid consulting area, and Otis B. Jennings will serve as a principal data scientist for Mathematica’s Data Solutions team.
“Baker and Jennings will bolster Mathematica’s Health team and help us continue to move the needle on our Medicaid and data innovation,” said Chris Trenholm, general manager of Mathematica’s Health Unit. “Their substantial experience will benefit our clients and help us achieve the goals of improving equity in the U.S. health care system through data and evidence.”
Joshua Baker is an expert in state Medicaid solutions. He comes to Mathematica from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, where he most recently served as director and a member of Governor Henry McMaster’s cabinet. He managed the state’s $8 billion combined Medicaid program and Children’s Health Insurance Program, as well as South Carolina’s efforts to integrate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C. He led the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing more than 30 policy bulletins and implementing new benefit groups to finance testing for South Carolina’s uninsured population. Before leading South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, Baker served as the department’s director of operations, and as budget director to former Governor Nikki Haley.
Baker will ensure the authenticity of the technical assistance Mathematica offers to state Medicaid clients. He has experience working with information systems to build equitable access and responsive services from the ground up.
“We are thrilled to have Baker on our team,” said Carey Appold, executive director of Mathematica’s Medicaid practice. “He brings invaluable experience from working in state government that will add value for our clients and help lead to effective, equitable solutions that identify gaps and opportunities.”
Baker earned both a B.S. and an international M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina.
Otis Jennings will provide technical expertise, contributing to and enhancing Mathematica’s data science capabilities for clients in its Health area.
“Jennings is a proven expert and leader in the field of data science, and his skills in modeling health systems align with the opportunities to provide clients with innovative solutions and insights,” said Mark Flick, Mathematica’s director of data analytics. “Our clients currently require data analysis designed to point out and address inequities. Jennings’ leadership on such initiatives through the establishment of his own firm provides a unique skill set he can bring to all of our engagements.”
Jennings is the founder of Objective Data Partners, a consulting firm specializing in data analytics and modeling in several industries, including health care. Before launching this venture, he was a vice president of engineering at IvySys Technologies in Arlington, Virginia, where he led modeling and simulation efforts sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Jennings earned his B.S.E. in operations research from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from Georgia Tech.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Todd Kohlhepp
Public Affairs Specialist
TKohlhepp@mathematica-mpr.com
(609) 275-2200