Nicole Coarsey is a healthcare transformation executive and strategist with more than 28 years of experience leading rural health, healthcare access, and federally funded initiatives across state government, healthcare organizations, and consulting engagements. She is known for translating complex policy and strategy into practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen operations and expand access to care.

Throughout her career, Nicole has held progressively senior leadership roles within the Louisiana Department of Health/Office of Public Health, including Program Monitor, State Primary Care Officer, Healthcare Access Division Manager, and ultimately Deputy Director of Programs and State Rural Health Officer. In that role, she directed a $17.7 million healthcare access division, managed a $9.6 million federal grant portfolio, and served as Co-Principal Investigator for Louisiana’s $1.5 billion CMS Rural Health Transformation Program. She also provided executive leadership for federally funded crisis and emergency response initiatives, including Louisiana’s FEMA- and SAMHSA-funded crisis counseling program following the 2016 floods.

Today, as Co-Founder and Principal Consultant of Harborlight Health Solutions, Nicole advises healthcare organizations, government agencies, and consulting teams on healthcare transformation, strategic planning, PMO leadership, and federal funding strategy, including HRSA and CMS grant portfolios. Her expertise spans organizational change, performance improvement, healthcare workforce strategy, and rural health, with a focus on executive facilitation and stakeholder engagement. She brings a strong blend of executive-level strategy and practical implementation, helping organizations navigate complex initiatives and deliver measurable results.