About Liz Matney

Former Chief Operating Officer / Deputy Director

Operations & Medicaid

Liz Matney is driven by a passion for solving complex challenges and creating meaningful change in the lives of others. Raised in Iowa after being born in Colorado, Liz grew up in a close-knit community where neighbors and extended family played a vital role in her upbringing. Through these experiences, she developed a profound appreciation for the power of connection, support, and resilience—values that continue to shape her approach to leadership and public service.

Liz’s passion for public service stems from her innate drive to solve complex problems and her belief in giving back. Her career has been defined by taking on difficult challenges with empathy and determination. One of her most rewarding moments came during the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations—a feat that required coordination between federal, state, and local agencies. Witnessing the relief and gratitude of those receiving their first doses reinforced the impact of her work.

For Liz, success is measured not just in data and outcomes but in the strength of relationships and open communication. She wants to be remembered as someone unafraid of tackling difficult issues while always leading with empathy. She remains deeply passionate about disability inclusion, aging with dignity, child welfare, trauma-informed care, and substance use recovery—areas where she continues to advocate for meaningful change.

Whether hiking the Arkansas Ozarks or uncovering family history through genealogy research, Liz embraces every challenge and opportunity with curiosity and determination.