Millersville, Maryland—The Coordinating Center is excited to announce that Octavia Peterson, MSA, MPH from Prince George’s County has been promoted to Director, Community First Programs (CFP). As CFP Director, Ms. Peterson will provide oversight of The Center’s supports planning services for more than 3,500 Marylanders statewide, enrolled in one of Maryland Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services Programs (HCBS) and/or Waiver. HCBS enable people with disabilities and older adults to live at home and/or transition from nursing homes to homes in the community.

Previously, Ms. Peterson served as Director, Wellness and Independence for Seniors at Home (WISH) program, which aimed to reduce avoidable hospital use for adults 65+ living in Montgomery and parts of Prince George’s County. The Center was contracted by the Nexus Montgomery Regional Partnership initiative, to provide coaching and care coordination services for WISH participants. The program recently ended in June due to lack of funding.

Ms. Peterson has more than 10 years of Public Health and management experience. Prior to the joining The Center, Ms. Peterson served as the Director of Population and Community Health with MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital, Health Educator Manager for Inova Juniper Program with PA/mid-Atlantic AIDS Education and Training Center, and held other positions in public health with several agencies, such as the Maryland Department of Health, American Nurses Association, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“Ms. Peterson’s passion for the mission, commitment to person-centered care and proven track record of excellence in community based services will continue to position The Center as a leader in home and community based services” Teresa Titus-Howard, President and CEO.