Lauren J. Tobias

Lauren J. Tobias is a senior health and social services policy leader with twenty years of experience shaping public health systems, Medicaid policy, and human services programs in New York State. She has experience leading complex system reforms, working with diverse stakeholders, and advancing policies that improve health outcomes and promote equity.

Currently serving as a Senior Advisor at Brown & Weinraub, Lauren works with healthcare and social service organizations to navigate regulatory environments, develop strategic initiatives, and identify opportunities to better meet community needs. Her work focuses on advancing health equity, strengthening service delivery systems, and helping clients effectively engage with state and federal policy frameworks.

Lauren held multiple senior leadership roles within the New York State Department of Health, including serving as the State Title V Director in the Office of Public Health. In this role, she oversaw more than 80 maternal and child health programs, managed over 600 contracts, and directed approximately $1 billion in state and federal funding. She led the development of New York’s Maternal and Child Health strategic plan, launched public-facing data tools, and implemented initiatives to address maternal mortality and racial disparities in health outcomes.

Lauren played a key role in major Medicaid redesign efforts, including the creation of New York’s Health Homes program, and has extensive experience in health system regulation, including Certificate of Need reform and ambulatory care policy. She has experience in emergency public health responses, including COVID-19 and Zika, where she helped guide statewide provider policy guidance.

Earlier in her career, Lauren served as Director of Policy at the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, and Family Planning Advocates of NYS, where she advanced policies to expand health coverage and access, strengthen the social safety net, and improve health outcomes for children and families.

Lauren has been honored to be recognized in City & State’s Health Care Power 100 and as New York State Department of Health Employee of the Year. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Policy from the University at Albany and a Bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College.