Gainwell Technologies hires new client engagement officer

Tysons-based Gainwell Technologies has named Karen Shields as its chief client engagement officer, the health and human services IT provider announced last week.

Shields will work in collaboration with Gainwell’s project management team to anticipate and fulfill client needs, according to a news release. She previously served as deputy director for the Center for Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program, led development of Herndon-based technology company Serco Inc.’s health care business and also was deputy director of operations for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.

“One of the hallmarks of a market-shaping culture is the ability to anticipate clients’ needs and proactively solve them. Gainwell has been at the forefront of this effort, and with Karen joining our leadership team, her health care and technology background will be invaluable as we help clients improve the health and human services they deliver to members, all while modernizing systems and processes, and reducing costs,” Gainwell CEO Paul Saleh said in a statement.

Gainwell was carved out of Ashburn-based Fortune 500 IT services company DXC Technology when it sold its health and human services business to private equity firm Veritas Capital in 2020 for $5 billion.

“I’m excited to join the Gainwell team and apply my experience in health care, technology and government to further support our nation’s essential health care programs,” Shields said. “I will be laser-focused on listening to our clients’ priorities and working alongside them to help them deliver innovative solutions that will improve health and human services’ outcomes in the communities they serve.”