2023 Rising Star: Katrina Sizemore

As the “eye of the hurricane” in a fast-paced environment, Katrina Sizemore’s steady leadership within CMS’s Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight has helped make it possible for millions of Americans to access affordable health insurance options, according to her colleagues. 

Although Sizemore has been in her current role for just under one year, her colleagues said that her strong commitment to the agency’s mission has already had a transformative impact when it comes to fostering a broad culture of innovation and excellence. 

“For me, it’s about building coalitions and implementing the improvements that streamline both our individual and cooperative work, keeping the essential pieces of our governance and oversight while also leaving room for innovation and diversity,” Sizemore said. 

She was essential in the implementation of the Marketplace Project Startup framework, which created a centralized model for ensuring that impacted stakeholders are involved in all phases of the healthcare marketplace’s software development lifecycle.

She also initiated the creation of a central training and knowledge base for agency staff and contractors to use when sharing processes, standards and training, which has helped to streamline onboarding and team engagement efforts.

Sizemore also coaches and mentors CMS contracting officer representatives and manages the annual, two-year budget planning cycle and off-cycle budget changes, including those requiring congressional collaboration for approval.

Additionally, Sizemore is a member of CMS’s peer-elected Leadership Development and Recognition Board, where she works with colleagues to share research and best practices and provide support for managers across the agency. 

Prior to her current position, Sizemore spent eight years at CMS contributing to and helping to lead key technology initiatives. This included the creation of improved IT systems and tools that made enrolling in the healthcare marketplace a more seamless experience for users.

“Katrina brings empathy, commitment to the mission and dedication to continuous improvement to her work every day,” said Keith Tayloe, a vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton. “She passionately serves as the calm eye of the storm in a complex environment working to seek broad, new ideas and create space for innovation.”