Ceci Thunes is a Senior State Advocacy Manager for Community Catalyst’s Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation. In this role, Ceci manages relationships with state-based advocacy organizations throughout the country. Ceci offers guidance to community advocates, providers, and policymakers who are working to improve how state and local health programs can better serve communities—particularly those with people who earn low wages or have intersecting health needs.

Previously, Ceci worked as a behavioral health policy specialist with Idaho Voices for Children. There, Ceci led a stakeholder group of behavioral health advocates who collectively raised awareness of, and offered recommendations for, Idaho’s fractured behavioral health care system. Their influence and credibility shaped integration efforts in Idaho, especially as they relate to the community experience. Before that, Ceci worked with bicycle and pedestrian advocates to include more funding from Idaho’s Legislature for Safe Routes to School education and projects.

Ceci received a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in political science from Boise State University. Ceci lives in Boise, Idaho.