Candice Talkington
Managing Director, Client Services
Denver, CO
EXPERTISE
Program Design & Management
Data-driven decision making
value-based care models
healthcare transformation
leadership & team development
With over 25 years of experience in healthcare transformation, Candice has led large-scale, mission-driven programs that improve clinical performance, financial sustainability, and patient outcomes. Her expertise centers on managing complex initiatives that support value-based care delivery, optimize data use, and build high-performing, purpose-driven teams.
Candice has overseen national programs and initiatives, led strategic technical assistance for rural hospitals and accountable care organizations, and designed systems that drive measurable improvement. She excels at helping organizations navigate the operational, regulatory, and cultural shifts required to succeed in modern care models.
As Program Director at the Rural Health Redesign Center, Candice led a national technical assistance program supporting hospitals transitioning to Rural Emergency Hospital designation and worked closely with federal partners, hospital executives, and multidisciplinary teams to develop strategic business plans. Prior to this, she directed value-based care learning systems at Mathematica for the CMS Innovation Center, including Next Generation ACO, ACO REACH, and Kidney Care Choices, and oversaw a value-based care program at Elevance Health.
Candice is known for her collaborative leadership style, workforce development skills, and ability to translate policy into practice. She brings deep experience in strategic transformation solutions, performance management, population health solutions, and aligning cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable, outcome-focused results.
Outside of work, Candice enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her two rescue cats and cherishes time with her two grown sons and grandchildren. She is also a frequent speaker on healthcare innovation and systems transformation.