CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Names Wade Rakes as Chief Executive Officer

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has announced the appointment of Wade Rakes as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned health care executive with more than two decades of leadership experience, Rakes steps into this role with a distinguished track record of driving growth, expanding access, and shaping innovative strategies that improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

The appointment marks a pivotal moment for CareQuest Institute as it continues to broaden its mission of transforming oral health care in the United States, particularly for underserved communities. Rakes succeeds interim CEO and Board Chair Pam Reeve, who has guided the organization during this leadership transition.

A Mission-Driven Appointment

As the newly appointed CEO, Wade Rakes will oversee CareQuest Institute’s multifaceted operations. His responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Direction and Leadership: Guiding the organization’s overall vision and advancing its mission to integrate oral health into broader health care systems.
• Endowment Management: Overseeing one of the largest oral health-focused endowments in the nation, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth of resources.
• Philanthropic and Advocacy Initiatives: Directing significant investments in community programs, grants, and policy efforts that tackle systemic barriers to oral health.
• Dental Insurance and Benefits Administration: Managing CareQuest’s role as a leading dental benefits provider, with a focus on expanding coverage and affordability.
• Innovation Arm: Supporting new technologies, research, and community partnerships aimed at reimagining how oral health care is delivered and accessed.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and energized by the chance to work alongside the team at CareQuest, its expansive operations, and our Board in advancing a mission that touches every community: improving oral health outcomes for all Americans,” Rakes said. “Together, we will expand access, drive innovation, shape policy, and ensure that oral health is recognized as essential to overall health.”

A Proven Leader in Health Care

Before joining CareQuest Institute, Rakes served as Chief Growth Officer at Centene Corporation, a Fortune 25 health care company. In that role, he was instrumental in driving the expansion and diversification of Centene’s multi-product portfolio, which served millions of members nationwide. His leadership was central to advancing the company’s mission of connecting deeply with local communities and addressing members’ needs holistically.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities at Centene, Rakes served as President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, Centene’s Georgia-based subsidiary. During his tenure, he led statewide efforts to support Medicaid and Medicare members, strengthen provider partnerships, and address disparities in health care access. His leadership emphasized community-based approaches that aligned closely with CareQuest’s mission of improving health equity.

“We are excited to welcome Wade’s vision, energy, and expertise,” said Pam Reeve, acting CEO and Board Chair of CareQuest Institute. “With his leadership, we are poised to strengthen our partnerships, broaden our impact, and accelerate our efforts to break down barriers to oral health for all.”

Bridging Oral and Overall Health

CareQuest Institute has long advocated for the recognition of oral health as a fundamental component of overall health. Research consistently shows that poor oral health is linked to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Yet, millions of Americans—particularly those from underserved communities—continue to face barriers to affordable and accessible oral health care.

By bringing in a leader with broad experience across health systems, insurance, and public service, CareQuest signals its commitment to bridging the divide between oral and general health care. Rakes’ history of integrating local needs with systemic change positions him well to champion policies and initiatives that align oral health with national health priorities.

“Oral health cannot be treated in isolation,” Rakes emphasized. “Our challenge and opportunity lie in building systems where dental care is not a privilege, but an essential and integrated part of the health journey for every individual.”

A Career Rooted in Service and Growth

Wade Rakes’ career spans multiple sectors—public service, corporate health care leadership, and civic engagement.

• Public Service: Early in his career, Rakes served as a cabinet-level official in the State of Ohio, where he gained firsthand experience in policy, governance, and the complexities of delivering public services.
• Corporate Leadership: His 15 years at Centene saw him rise to executive leadership, ultimately overseeing growth strategies at one of the nation’s largest health care companies.
• Community Engagement: Beyond his professional roles, Rakes has been deeply involved in civic leadership. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of LGBTQ+ Victory, an organization dedicated to advancing representation and equality. He is also Vice Chair of the Board of the High Museum, a Trustee of the Woodruff Arts Center, and a member of the Board of Advisors of the James A. Baker III Institute at Rice University.

Rakes’ academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, further underscoring his blend of intellectual rigor and practical leadership.

The Road Ahead for CareQuest Institute

Under Rakes’ leadership, CareQuest Institute is expected to intensify its focus on several critical priorities:

1. Expanding Access: Working with policymakers, providers, and communities to ensure oral health services reach historically underserved populations.
2. Driving Innovation: Investing in research, technology, and care models that improve both the efficiency and quality of oral health care.
3. Shaping Policy: Advocating for legislation and regulations that support oral health integration within primary care systems.
4. Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborating with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and health systems to amplify impact.
5. Elevating Equity: Placing health equity at the center of all initiatives, ensuring that systemic barriers—economic, racial, and geographic—are dismantled.

With more than 200 employees and partnerships across the country, CareQuest Institute is uniquely positioned to serve as both a thought leader and an action-driven catalyst in oral health transformation.

A Vision for the Future

As CareQuest Institute embarks on this new chapter, the organization is reaffirming its role as a national leader in rethinking how oral health is delivered, financed, and perceived.

“This is not just about dental care—it is about dignity, health equity, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Rakes said. “I am honored to join CareQuest at this moment and look forward to building on its legacy of impact.”

The appointment of Wade Rakes as CEO underscores CareQuest Institute’s commitment to bold, visionary leadership. With his combination of business acumen, policy expertise, and passion for equity, Rakes is poised to guide the organization through a period of growth, innovation, and greater national influence.