Mr. James Pagano is HARP’s Coordinator of Criminal Justice Initiatives and a nationally recognized expert on Medicaid reentry implementation and correctional policy. He manages technical assistance projects supporting states and counties as they prepare for and implement Section 1115 Medicaid reentry demonstration waivers. Prior to joining HARP, Mr. Pagano held senior leadership and policy roles with the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Department of Human Services, where he helped advance reentry reforms, benefits enrollment initiatives, and data-driven performance management strategies. His work focuses on improving continuity of care and successful reentry outcomes for justice-involved populations.