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September 15, 2025
Accomplished Fortune 25 Health Care Executive Will Guide CareQuest Institute’s Mission to Create an Accessible, Integrated Oral Health System
September 15, 2025 (Boston, MA) — CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has named longtime health care executive Wade Rakes its new CEO. Rakes previously served as Chief Growth Officer at the Fortune 25 health care company Centene Corporation and as President and CEO of its Georgia-based subsidiary, Peach State Health Plan.
As CEO, Rakes will oversee the strategic direction and operations of CareQuest Institute, including the management of its endowment; its philanthropic investments and advocacy efforts; its dental insurance and benefits administrator; and its innovation arm, which is dedicated to transforming oral health access and outcomes for underserved populations across the United States.
“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,” said Rakes. “Together, we will expand access, drive innovation, shape policy, and ensure that oral health is recognized as essential to overall health.”
With more than two decades of leadership experience in the health care industry, Rakes brings both a distinguished track record of driving growth and a keen understanding of how access to oral health care impacts overall health outcomes.
“We are excited to welcome Wade’s vision, energy, and expertise,” said Pam Reeve, acting CEO and Board Chair for 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.”
During his 15 years at Centene, Rakes rose to Chief Growth Officer, contributing to the expansion and reach of a multi-product health care entity deeply connected to local communities. As President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, he guided his team in supporting the health care journey of members statewide.
Earlier in his career, Rakes also served as a cabinet-level official in the State of Ohio and has remained a committed civic leader. He is Chair of the Board of LGBTQ+ Victory, 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 earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan.
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Direct Media Inquiries to:
Kate Lewis
klewis@carequest.org
About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.