Kana is the director of brain health for the McKinsey Health Institute, where she specializes in behavioral health, public health, and delivery-system reform. Kana has more than 20 years of experience as a federal executive in mental-health and substance-use policy, data, programs, and practice improvement. Kana is a global thought leader and accomplished executive with a strong record of achieving public-policy goals, delivering programmatic impact, and inspiring organizational and social change.
Since joining McKinsey in 2019, Kana cofounded the Center for Societal Benefit through Healthcare to address underinvested areas of health with a focus on behavioral health. In addition, Kana has supported a wide range of clients, including government entities, payers, providers, investors, employers, and not-for-profit organizations to better serve people with, or at risk for, mental and substance-use disorders.
Prior to joining McKinsey, Kana was acting administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, where she provided executive direction and policy leadership. She also served as senior advisor in the US health and human services agency, where she provided strategic guidance on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
Prior to entering government, Kana did health research and clinical services with a focus on mental health and trauma for minority patients. She has received awards in recognition of her work, including the Arthur S. Flemming Award, the American College of Mental Health Administration King Davis Award, and the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service.
