Steve Smitherman’s Regional Leadership Expands to Include Georgia and Mississippi

DAYTON, Ohio, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CareSource, a national nonprofit managed care organization, today announced two leadership promotions that position the organization for continued growth. Deirdra “Dee” Yocum, who has spent 14 years serving members across the state, has been appointed to Ohio market president. She succeeds David Thomas, whose new role as regional market president includes oversight of Ohio, New York and future markets.

“David and Dee have each shaped CareSource’s work in important ways,” said Scott Markovich, EVP, markets and products, CareSource. “David brings extensive experience leading government-sponsored health plans, driving growth and improving outcomes for members, including those with complex needs. Dee has built programs and relationships that connect our members to care and support in their communities. Together, they bring strong leadership and a shared focus on the members we serve.”

As Ohio market president, Yocum will lead CareSource strategy, operations and performance across the state. She will oversee financial and operational results, government affairs and provider and community partnerships with a focus on quality and improving health outcomes.

Yocum has played a central role in shaping CareSource’s presence across Ohio. Most recently serving as chief operating officer for CareSource Ohio, she led the teams behind CareSource Life Services and health and social partnerships that connect members to resources beyond medical care. Prior to joining CareSource, Dee held leadership positions with Humana Inc. and Ernst & Young LLP, where she advised healthcare organizations on strategy, operations and performance improvement.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a team that cares deeply about our members,” said Yocum. “I’m honored to lead CareSource Ohio and to keep building on the relationships we’ve developed with partners across the state. I’m excited to continue that work for the members and families who count on us every day.”

In his expanded role, Thomas will oversee CareSource’s Ohio and New York markets, including ElderServe, and lead the organization’s growth into new markets. Since joining CareSource in July 2025, he has led the Ohio team in advancing operational excellence and positioning CareSource for long-term success. Before joining CareSource, Thomas served as Centene’s chief executive officer of markets and Medicaid, overseeing health plans in 31 states, and as president and CEO of Fidelis Care, a New York health plan serving 1.7 million members, further deepening his experience leading plans for complex populations.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this broader role and proud of what our Ohio team has accomplished together,” said Thomas. “Dee has been a true partner since I arrived, and I’m confident Ohio members and partners are in excellent hands. I look forward to working with leaders across our markets to build on our continued growth and expand access to high-quality care for members.”

As part of this expanded structure, Regional Market President Steve Smitherman will add Georgia and Mississippi to his responsibilities while continuing to oversee Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin and Regional Market Operations. These changes strengthen CareSource’s regional market model, supporting continued growth, innovation and mission delivery while keeping leadership close to the markets and communities we serve.

About CareSource 

CareSource is a nonprofit, nationally recognized managed care organization with over 2 million members. CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid managed care plans in the U.S. The organization offers health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address the social drivers of health, prevention and access to care. 

For more information, visit us at www.caresource.com, or follow us on X, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Olivia Biggs 
Media Relations Specialist
Olivia.Biggs@caresource.com
937.224.3300

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SOURCE CareSource