Michael is recognized as a driver of change and manager of complex processes necessary for health system transformation oriented towards population health. He has worked for more than 40 years to improve access, quality and affordability of health care and community-based long-term care for underserved populations, including fifteen years at top-levels of state and local governments.

Mr. Gelder currently consults on projects leading to long-term care reform and development of integrated delivery systems linked to community-based services, population health, and other drivers to achieve improved health, higher quality, and more cost-effective care. He is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University College of Medicine and University of Illinois Chicago, teaching courses in the US health system and public health policy to undergraduate and graduate MD and MPH students.

Michael Gelder served as senior health policy advisor to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn from June 2009 to January 2015. He advised the governor on all policy matters pertaining to implementing the Affordable Care Act, state health system transformation, Medicaid managed care, nursing home safety, long-term care rebalancing, and the state’s health information exchange. Mr. Gelder was instrumental in negotiating consent decrees to bring Illinois into compliance with the Olmstead decree for older adults, people with serious mental illness and other disabilities.

Mr. Gelder previously served as Director and Deputy Director for the Illinois Department on Aging, managing approximately $1 billion for state and federal programs to help older adults receive the support and services needed to live safely in the community and avoid unnecessary and unwanted nursing home placement.

For 25 years prior to joining state government in 2003, Mr. Gelder led a national practice providing technical assistance, advocacy, and policy analysis to improve access, delivery, and quality of health care for under-served populations. From 1997 to 2009, Mr. Gelder served as an elected village trustee in Skokie, Illinois. Mr. Gelder holds a master’s degree in health administration from Washington University, St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University.