Although Rita Johnson-Mills has operational and fiscal oversight of the statewide managed care plan, she never loses sight of the real ‘bottom line’ … the more than 500,000 TennCare recipients being covered.

“Growing up poor, one of 12 children in a single parent household on Medicaid, I personally experienced the disparities in healthcare,” she explained, noting it’s one of the reasons she is so passionate about making a difference in the lives of members and communities across Tennessee. “I believe everyone deserves access to quality, cost-effective healthcare,” she continued. “I am so thankful that I have this access, and I am determined to do what I can to make life a little easier and a lot more pleasant for those unable to navigate the system on their own.”

Raised in the small Missouri town of Hayti, Johnson-Mills said her childhood experiences made her determined to get an education and establish a career that would enable her to make communities like hers healthier. “Every child should have access to the healthcare they need,” she stated.

Although her mother never had the opportunity to attend college, she supported her children in their ambitions. “She is the one consistent in my entire life who has shaped me to be the person I am today,” said Johnson-Mills. “She taught me to work hard and to pursue my dreams … but most importantly, to never compromise my ethics. Her struggle made me stronger, more determined, and focused on making a difference.”

After completing her undergraduate degree at Lincoln University, Johnson-Mills earned dual masters from The Ohio State University in Labor/Human Resource Management and Public Policy Management. She began her career in state government with a focus on healthcare. “In Ohio, I actually regulated health plans for the state,” she said. Later, she served as director of Medicaid Managed Care for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services before moving to the private sector.

“It wasn’t until then that I came into full view of what my purpose was, and that was to make sure little kids growing up like I did had an advocate and a voice,” she said.

By 2007, Johnson-Mills had moved into senior leadership with UnitedHealth Group and took her current post in August 2014. “I love, love, love witnessing the difference we are making in our members’ lives and the communities we serve,” she said.

Remembering that impact helps make long, stressful days worth all the effort. “Due to the nature of the healthcare industry, on any given day you can find yourself dealing with the processes associated with multiple systems, the critical needs of our members, the demands of the network, and the changes and challenges that occur daily,” Johnson-Mills said. “The key to meeting the challenge is remaining focused on the real reason behind what we do – helping people live healthier lives.”

No matter how long the day, there is always time for football. Married for 26 years to husband Eric, Johnson-Mills has officially become a ‘football mom.’ Son Tavion, a rising senior, is the starting right guard for the Class 6A state champion Ravenwood Raptors. In addition, Johnson-Mills has three grown “bonus” children, two of whom have children of their own. Youngest grandchild Ryan Elizabeth, who is almost two, lives in nearby La Vergne.

“My family keeps me grounded in what is really important,” Johnson-Mills said. “At the end of the day, my appreciation for my family and all they mean to me is my motivation to be the best I can be.”

She added her family energizes her to tackle her passions. In addition to her work making Tennessee a healthier place to live, she is also a founding member of UnitedHealth Group’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, serves on numerous boards including the Nashville Health Care Council, and mentors future leaders. Going forward, she said she’d love to make a major contribution in combatting violence against women and children. “I would like to see violence viewed as a health issue that must be addressed in much the same way as we address disease outbreaks and chronic health conditions,” she stated.

Ultimately, all of her endeavors come back to addressing the bottom line … the members and communities she serves.