Open To Work
LaSauna (Shauna) JAMES
Buford
Summary
Strategic diversity practitioner with 8 years of experience in DEI strategy and organizational culture transformation. Skilled in evidence-based policy development and stakeholder management, enhancing employee engagement through innovative programs and training. Focused on eliminating systemic bias and fostering inclusive workplace environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
CERTIFIED DIVERSITY PRACTITIONER
WA State Healthcare Authority
Olympia
01.2021 - Current
- 8-9 years of experience in employee experience program coordination. Designed, implemented, and manages strategies that promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility at the organizational level; to include metrics and reporting.
- Provided strategic oversight and support to five employee resource group leads as Program Manager. Established clear roles and responsibilities to align outputs with organizational values and goals.
- Liaised between staff and leadership on employee engagement and psychological safety, providing guidance to agency leadership through effective interpersonal and communication skills with a culturally sensitive approach.
- Planned and hosted special projects and events to enhance employee engagement and awareness across the agency.
- Acts as an agency consultant and coach through providing agency-wide internal training presentations on cultural topics, facilitating brave space discussions, and holding employee listening sessions. Utilize data from session surveys to contribute to organizational change.
- Supports the agency's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager with assessing organizational needs, designing and implementing agency operational policies and procedures that reinforce pro-equity anti-racism strategic plans.
- Perform in-depth analysis of legislative initiatives via expert knowledge of principles, rules, and laws such as labor laws, ADA, and Affirmative Action to ensure compliance focused on supporting historically marginalized communities.
- Developed, implemented, and managed internal equity and accessibility projects, identifying needs to achieve more inclusive outcomes.
- Collaborates with the Senior Leadership, stakeholders, and tribal liaisons to coordinate internal communications, develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems and processes.
COST REIMBURSEMENT ANALYST
WA State Healthcare Authority
Olympia
03.2020 - Current
- Acts as the Program Manager for all elements of the rate setting methodology and reimbursement process for both State and Federally funded Medicaid programs including, but not limited to, Family Planning, Behavioral Health, and the Tribal Health Programs.
- Analyzes program financial data, identifies trends, and develops reports for Senior Leadership.
- Conducts in-depth analysis of claims data and pricing to determine if costs are reasonable and in compliance with usual and customary practices; identifies trends and cost drivers.
- Identified opportunities to enhance reimbursement through targeted policy adjustments and ensured compliance with regulations.
- Identified inconsistencies and potential areas for appeals, facilitating resolution of claims issues.
- Identifies and addresses billing errors and discrepancies while working collaboratively with healthcare providers to remedy claim denials and audit findings.
- Works closely with providers, clients, and healthcare professionals to achieve timely and precise adjudication.
- Collaborated with policy and contracts personnel to provide analytical interpretation of reimbursement, developing data reports in alignment with Medicare and Medicaid standards.
- Acted as a liaison between inpatient and outpatient facilities, the national medical equipment and supplies workgroup, hospitals, long-term care centers, and the Department of Health.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP FOUNDER & CHAIR
WA State Healthcare Authority
Olympia
02.2017 - Current
- Founded and manages an employee resource group of 80+ diverse staff dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace; and sustains that space through trusted community building.
- Facilitated monthly discussions and workshops on race, accessibility, and gender identification, enhancing awareness and understanding among participants.
- Aids in the development and execution of DEIB strategic plans for the ERG, aligning with organizational goals.
- Results-driven organizational transformation strategies that foster an antiracist culture and deliver measurable value.
- Strong business acumen and experience working with key stakeholders and internal business partners, to include Human Resources, Executive Leadership, and other ERG/BRG Leaders.
- Designs and implements agency operational policies and procedures that reinforce pro-equity anti-racism strategic plans.
- Planned and executed national observance events and activities for agency of 2000+ diverse staff, promoting inclusivity and engagement.
- Organize and execute monthly lunch & learn sessions, and quarterly awareness events/activities directly contributing to employee engagement and professional development.
- Developed performance management and mentorship program, coaching staff to enhance awareness and assist with conflict resolution.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST
WA State Healthcare Authority
Olympia
03.2015 - 02.2020
- Developed and implemented a new statewide supplemental payment program, Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) for publicly owned ground emergency medical transportation providers that comprise of more than 90 local fire and emergency districts and municipalities.
- Managed regulatory filings to CMS and served as subject matter expert for technical and policy matters, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Created fee schedules and standardized cost reporting documentation for contracted providers, coordinating all administrative aspects of the program.
- Collaborated with both internal and external stakeholders to develop provider billing guide publications, the development and application of state plan amendments, and the writing and execution of Washington Administrative Codes (WACs).
- Performed qualitative analysis of cost reports and records for accuracy and consistency.
- Prepared and interpreted program and claims analyses, determining adjudication, adjustments, or exemptions based on findings.
- Conducted on-site training sessions for over 500 emergency personnel on policy and statute compliance related to program requirements.
- Provided working knowledge and expertise as it pertains to CPT and HCPCS coding principles and governmental regulations and assisted with post-payment audits and investigations.
Education
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION - Certified Diversity Professional
01-2025
BACHELOR'S DEGREE - Accounting and Finance
01-2013
ASSOCIATE DEGREE - Accounting and Finance
01-2005
Skills
- DEI strategy
- Organizational culture transformation
- Bias elimination
- Policy development
- Change management
- Employee engagement
- Learning and development
- Stakeholder management
- Data analytics
- Project management
- Public speaking and group facilitation
- Regulatory compliance
- Cultural competence
Accomplishments
- Enhanced Pro-Equity Initiatives | Improved organizational commitment by 10% through effective diversity strategies
- Established Employee Resource Group | Founded a resource group with over 80 members for diverse & inclusive discussions
- Legislative Initiative Success | Analyzed & improved 10+ legislative initiatives for compliance and effectiveness
References
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteSalary Range
$95000/yr - $195000/yrTimeline
CERTIFIED DIVERSITY PRACTITIONER - WA State Healthcare Authority
01.2021 - Current
COST REIMBURSEMENT ANALYST - WA State Healthcare Authority
03.2020 - Current
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP FOUNDER & CHAIR - WA State Healthcare Authority
02.2017 - Current
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST - WA State Healthcare Authority
03.2015 - 02.2020
Institute of Diversity Certification - NATIONAL CERTIFICATION, Certified Diversity Professional
Western Governor's University - BACHELOR'S DEGREE, Accounting and Finance
South Puget Sound College - ASSOCIATE DEGREE, Accounting and Finance