Sabrena Lea is credentialed as Specialist in Gerontology and has a thirty-year career that includes professional responsibilities in human services, public administration, and long-term care. She is employed in NC Department of Health and Human Services/Division of Health Benefits in Raleigh, NC as Deputy Director for Long Term Services and Supports. This position serves as the Senior Medicaid Administrator for the state’s long-term services and supports programs and associated contracts totaling approximately $5 billion dollars. The LTSS policy portfolio includes Medicaid Direct and Managed Care services and support. These programs which serve citizens across the span of life include Home and Community-based services: CAP/DA, CAP/C Waivers, State Plan Personal Care Services, Home Health, Hospice, and Home Infusion Therapy, Private Duty Nursing (Pediatric and Children); HIV Case Management, Nursing Home, Gero-psychiatric facilities, the Dual Special Needs Program (D-SNP), and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

Recognized for her expertise in Medicaid policy and applied Gerontology, Lea has been invited to serve as panelist and keynote presenter in conferences across the nation. Since joining DHHS in 2007, she has served as Principal Investigator and Project Director for several federal grant initiatives aimed at improving health care access, system transformation, and addressing social determinants to health. Ms. Lea has published articles, reports, and professional resources about issues related to Medicaid policy. She received a 2010 “Change Agent” Leadership Award presented by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce for her work as an advocate for older adults throughout the Piedmont Triad Region and state. She was honored to be a 2020 John R. Larkin Award nominee, which annually recognizes a state employee who exemplifies commitment to equality and justice in the workplace and improving local communities through volunteerism and community service. Lea is a 2021 Governor’s Awards for Excellence nominee for her and her team work on the LTSS Covid mitigation strategy.

Lea has earned degrees in Biology from Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia and Gerontology from Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia; pursued a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina and completed post graduate studies in Leading and Managing Change at UNC-Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School and is certified in Agile Project Management. Lea currently serves as Co-Chair of the Division’s Strategic Business Operations Cross-Functional Team and serves as Vice Chairperson of the Division’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

In her spare time, she is a community volunteer working with the homeless community, and older adults. She enjoys traveling, entertaining friends and family in her home; Sabrena Lea is an ordained minister and serves as an Associate Pastor at the historic Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro where she leads the Communication/Technology Ministry and teaches Spiritual Formation for new members.