Leo Ribas

Leo Ribas has a personal and professional passion for human services and an immense appreciation for the people of government and their commitment to ensure families gain access to basic needs and hope for a better tomorrow. As Director for Community Services, Leo managed Washington State’s $2 billion/year public assistance system (60 field offices, 3000 staff, policy development) providing Medicaid, food, employment, and other safety net services to 1.5 million residents. Leo earned a reputation as a valued partner with the federal government, state legislature, and community leaders setting innovative direction for anti-poverty/hunger programs. Leo spearheaded the business process redesign (BPR) efforts to transform the delivery of programs while improving performance, placing customer needs at the center of the reforms, and removing unnecessary steps for staff. This effort accomplished new levels of productivity and a framework for change that has been utilized across the country.

In 2010, Leo left the public sector to join the Change and Innovation Agency with the vision of using his passion and skills to transform government service delivery across the nation. Working side-by-side with dedicated staff, agency leaders, and stakeholders, Leo has focused on designing and implementing service delivery reforms that have allowed human services agencies in 18 states and the District of Columbia to improve outcomes while facing crushing workload increases, growing policy complexity, and budget cuts. The work in these states is transforming the delivery of human services by challenging industry assumptions, resulting in healthier families, safer children, and stronger communities.