Manifest MedEx Strengthens Leadership with Three New Regional Executive Directors to Advance California’s Health Data Network
In a strategic move to enhance its mission of creating a more connected and efficient health data ecosystem, Manifest MedEx (MX)—California’s largest nonprofit health data network and a CalHHS Data Exchange Framework (DxF) Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO)—has announced the appointment of three new regional executive directors. These leaders will play a pivotal role in driving local collaboration and improving health outcomes across the state.
The newly appointed executives include:
- Eva Williams, PhD, as Executive Director of the Southern Inland Region
- Dr. Ednann Naz, as Executive Director of the Central & Northern Regions
- Erin Henke, as Executive Director of the Bay Region
This expansion of Manifest MedEx’s leadership team underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering stronger local connections and ensuring that providers, public health agencies, health plans, and community-based organizations have access to the data they need to deliver whole-person care.
Strengthening Local Connections for Better Health Outcomes
“We are committed to making health data work better for everyone in California,” said Adam Harrison, Chief Business Development Officer at Manifest MedEx. “A big part of that is building stronger local connections to ensure providers, public health agencies, health plans, and community-based organizations have the information they need to coordinate and address the health and wellness needs of their communities. Bringing these incredible leaders to the team strengthens our ability to advance whole-person care and improve health outcomes across the state. Their deep expertise will be invaluable as we continue our mission to create a more connected, efficient, and person-centered health system.”
By appointing seasoned professionals with extensive experience in healthcare, population health, and stakeholder engagement, Manifest MedEx is positioning itself to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in California’s healthcare landscape, including health equity, interoperability, and data-driven decision-making.
Meet the New Regional Leaders
Eva Williams, PhD – Executive Director, Southern Inland Region
With over 25 years of experience in healthcare strategy and leadership, Eva Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She previously held key leadership positions at Centene Corporation, where she served as Health Net’s Director of Public Programs and Long-Term Support Services before advancing to Vice President of Population Health. Later, as Vice President of Population Health and Clinical Operations at ‘Ohana Health Plan, she spearheaded value-based care initiatives, fostered community partnerships, and implemented proactive, holistic health solutions.
Dr. Williams holds a PhD in Social Work and is a Certified Professional Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). Her career has been marked by a focus on leveraging data to drive operational excellence and improve health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations. Her expertise in aligning counties, health plans, and social service systems will be instrumental in advancing MX’s goals in the Southern Inland Region.
Dr. Ednann Naz – Executive Director, Central & Northern Regions
Dr. Ednann Naz is a mission-driven healthcare executive with nearly two decades of experience in clinical operations, digital health transformation, and financial optimization. Before joining Manifest MedEx, Dr. Naz spent nearly five years at Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, where he served as Chief Medical Informatics Officer and later as Clinical and Operations Chief. During his tenure, he played a critical role in shaping the hospital’s clinical strategy and policy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, he served as Physician Advisor, leading care management, utilization review, and compliance efforts.
Dr. Naz holds a Doctor of Medicine from Avalon University School of Medicine, a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. His unique blend of clinical, operational, and business acumen makes him an ideal leader to drive innovation and collaboration in the Central and Northern Regions.
Erin Henke – Executive Director, Bay Region
Erin Henke brings over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership, with a particular focus on hospice and palliative care. She was instrumental in launching POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) in California in 2009, a program that has since become a national model for end-of-life care planning. As a medical society management consultant, she has designed innovative solutions for complex healthcare challenges and built consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Henke has also held leadership roles on the national, state, and county levels, including serving as Interim CEO of the Santa Clara County Medical Association. Her extensive experience in the Bay Area positions her to strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful change in one of California’s most dynamic regions.
Advancing California’s Health Data Ecosystem
As the only nonprofit QHIO in California, Manifest MedEx is uniquely positioned to support organizations—regardless of their location, technical capabilities, or resources—in participating in both the state’s Data Exchange Framework (DxF) and the national Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement™ (TEFCA™). By facilitating secure and appropriate data sharing, MX is working to build a digital health data safety net that supports California’s CalAIM and DxF goals.
The addition of these three regional leaders will enable MX to deepen its impact at the local level while advancing statewide initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing disparities, and enabling whole-person care. Each executive director will focus on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, addressing region-specific challenges, and ensuring that health data is used effectively to improve outcomes.
A Commitment to Whole-Person Care
Manifest MedEx’s mission revolves around improving the health of Californians by making health data work better for everyone. The organization’s efforts to expand its leadership team reflect a commitment to achieving this vision through localized strategies and tailored solutions. By empowering providers, public health agencies, and community organizations with actionable insights, MX is helping to create a more equitable and person-centered healthcare system.
For more information about Manifest MedEx and its initiatives, visit their website here.
Why This Leadership Expansion Matters
The healthcare landscape in California is evolving rapidly, with increasing demands for data interoperability, health equity, and patient-centered care. Manifest MedEx’s investment in regional leadership ensures that the organization can meet these challenges head-on while maintaining a strong focus on local needs. With Eva Williams, Dr. Ednann Naz, and Erin Henke at the helm of their respective regions, MX is poised to lead the charge in transforming California’s health data ecosystem, ultimately benefiting patients and communities across the state.
