Beyond the Role: The Leadership Journey of Thomas Richard Stedham
Some leaders make an impact through titles, others through the people they elevate along the way. Thomas Richard “Tommy” Stedham belongs firmly in the second group. With roots in Alabama and a career devoted to Medicaid service, he built his professional life by rising steadily through responsibility, earning trust, and fostering growth within his teams. Today, even in retirement, he remains passionate about sharing his experience and is open to supporting others as an independent consultant, speaker, writer, and podcast guest.
What began as an entry-level position evolved into nearly three decades of shaping eligibility operations, supporting colleagues, and guiding teams through some of the most challenging moments in public healthcare. His journey demonstrates the power of experience, patience, and a commitment to doing the right thing even when the path is difficult.
This feature explores the milestones and lessons that defined his career, and why his approach to leadership remains relevant for every professional striving to make meaningful change. His story invites readers to reflect, learn, and draw inspiration from a life dedicated to service.
Early Life, Education & Career Journey
Tell us about your early life, education, and career journey?
Youngest of three children. I was born and raised in Alabama, and I have lived here my whole life. Graduated from Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, Alabama) with a major in Marketing and a minor in Sociology. Spent 29 years with the Alabama Medicaid Agency, rising from an entry-level case worker to an associate director. I spent most of my Medicaid career in eligibility.
During my long tenure with the Agency, I gained extensive experience in Medicaid operations, healthcare regulations, eligibility processes, and service delivery. My roles allowed me to work across multiple divisions, manage teams, and support initiatives that ensured program integrity and access to care for thousands of beneficiaries. The progression from case worker to associate director shaped not only my career, but also my understanding of leadership and public service.
Current Role & What You Enjoy Most
What is your current role, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Retired in September 2025. I was an associate director who oversaw the Resource Center. I most enjoyed the opportunity to develop positive relationships with my colleagues and interact with them.
In this position, I was responsible for guiding teams, strengthening operational processes, and ensuring compliance with healthcare policies. The role gave me the chance to support staff development, oversee complex cases, and contribute to projects that improved efficiency within the Agency. What I valued most, however, were the daily interactions, partnering with colleagues, mentoring newer leaders, and fostering a supportive environment.
Proudest Professional Accomplishment
What has been your proudest professional accomplishment?
Many of my employees, including several that I hired myself, rose to the level of associate director (the same level as myself). Two of them made it to director. It is gratifying to see my employees succeed and get promoted, and it feels good knowing that I mentored them and helped them succeed.
Throughout my leadership journey, I saw firsthand how important mentorship and guidance can be. Being able to support the growth of others, many of whom took on critical responsibilities within Medicaid policy, eligibility operations, and compliance, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Their achievements reflect their hard work, and it is fulfilling to know that I played a role in helping them reach those milestones.
Major Career Challenge & How You Overcame It
What is one major challenge you've faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
COVID-19 was very disruptive in a number of ways. I did the best I could, with the help of my chain of command and my employees, and we made it through three very difficult years of relaxing the eligibility rules and then the “unwinding” process, where we mostly returned to pre-pandemic procedures.
This period required adaptability, rapid decision-making, and constant coordination as policies shifted at the federal and state levels. Managing teams, ensuring compliance, and supporting beneficiaries during such an uncertain time was challenging, but it demonstrated the importance of resilience, teamwork, and strong leadership. Navigating the unwinding process afterward was equally demanding, as it required substantial recalibration of workflows and eligibility protocols.
Staying Ahead in Your Industry
How do you stay ahead in your industry?
Always be prepared for change and uncertainty, and be flexible with these changes. Learn as much as you can. Keep a positive attitude. Mentor and encourage your colleagues and employees.
Working in Medicaid taught me that the landscape of healthcare can shift quickly. Being open to ongoing learning, maintaining professionalism during uncertainty, and supporting those around you are essential. Helping teams develop confidence and adaptability strengthens not only individuals, but the organization as a whole.
Advice for Young Professionals
What advice would you give to young professionals aiming for success?
There is no substitute for experience. Be willing to start at the bottom, go through a learning curve, and earn your way to advancement. Be careful who you confide in. Document everything. Find someone to mentor you. Treat other people the way you would want to be treated.
Success requires patience and humility. Starting from the entry level gives you the foundation you need to grow responsibly into leadership roles. Having a mentor, maintaining integrity, working hard, and treating colleagues with respect will take you far in any profession, especially in fields that depend on service, collaboration, and accountability.
Conclusion
The career of Thomas Richard “Tommy” Stedham stands as a testament to what long-term commitment and thoughtful leadership can achieve. His progression within the Alabama Medicaid Agency highlights a life shaped by responsibility, service, and a deep respect for the people around him.
Even in the most challenging moments, including the shifting demands of the pandemic, he remained guided by principles that strengthened both his team and the broader organization. As readers reflect on his journey, they will find lessons that speak to perseverance, mentorship, and the importance of treating others with fairness and dignity.
His story closes a chapter of professional service, yet opens a lasting message for anyone seeking to grow with integrity and leave a positive mark in their field. Today, he continues to extend his expertise beyond his formal career and is open to opportunities as an independent consultant, speaker, writer, and podcast guest for those who may benefit from his experience.
- Website url:- https://www.tommystedham.com/
- Facebook url:- Tommy Stedham
- Linkedin url:- Thomas Stedham
- Instagram url:- @tommystedham
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