Jessica Bax
Division Director
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Jessica (Jess) Bax is the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities for Missouri Department of Mental Health. The Division has a team of over 2,000 staff dedicated to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities are able to live their best lives, and strives to achieve this mission through a variety of programs, including: Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waivers, Autism services, and state operated programs.
Prior to joining the Department of Mental Health, Ms. Bax served for three years as the Director of Division of Senior and Disability Services, with responsibility for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services, Adult Protective Services, and Older Americans Act programs. She has more than 17 years of government experience, including serving as the Constituent and Emergency Services Manager, Bureau Chief of Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports and Deputy Division Director for Senior and Disability Services.
Ms. Bax has extensive experience and knowledge of Medicaid and social service programs as well as the budget and legislative process. She has worked collaboratively with state and local agencies and successfully built partnerships with stakeholders. Ms. Bax is dedicated to identifying national best practices through research and national network connections in order to create a best in class system of care for Missourians. She currently serves as a National Board Member for ADvancing States.
Ms. Bax holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She and her husband Brian have five daughters and reside in St. Elizabeth, MO.