Administration for Community Living

Deputy Director, Center for Innovation & Partnership

Caroline Ryan

​Caroline Ryan is the Deputy Director of the Center for Innovation and Partnership at the Administration for Community Living.  As Deputy Director, Caroline advises on the direction of programs and initiatives that serve both older adults and people with disabilities, including consumer access and protection programs.  Caroline also leads a cross-agency team working to strengthen the recruitment, training, and retention of the direct care workforce.  Prior to this role, Caroline managed ACL partnerships with VA and CMS on innovative projects, including a collaboration with the VA on a consumer-directed home care program for Veterans of all ages at risk for nursing home admission.  She also analyzed policy trends and advanced innovative program strategies related to alternative payment models, social determinants of health, self-directed care, and care transitions.  Prior to joining HHS in 2010, Caroline served as a program manager at Aging Care Connections, where she implemented and evaluated a community-based care transition model at a local hospital and skilled nursing facilities.  Caroline received her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her master’s degree and certificate in health administration and policy from The University of Chicago.