40 Under 40 · AT THE HELM

Phylicia Cross, MPH

Executive Director, Community Plan of D.C. | UnitedHealthcare | Washington, DC

Phylicia Cross is a healthcare executive leading the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of DC, where she oversees a Medicaid and D-SNP portfolio serving approximately 16,000 members.

Her work focuses on bridging managed care, health equity, and community investment, ensuring underserved populations are not only included, but meaningfully represented in how healthcare decisions are made.

The Journey

Cross’s path began early, shaped by mentors who recognized her potential and created opportunities for her. A high school nursing internship solidified her direction.

"Being inside a healthcare environment… confirmed that this was the field for me."

From that point forward, her work has been driven by a commitment to improving access, outcomes, and representation for communities that have been historically underserved.

What This Recognition Means

For Cross, this recognition affirms that the work of showing up fully for overlooked communities is being seen and valued—and reinforces her commitment to continue building for them.

What’s Next

She is focused on scaling the models and frameworks she has developed, expanding their reach nationally, and influencing how managed care organizations engage with communities.

"Try it all… Healthcare is one of the broadest industries in the world."

She believes the industry is ready for a different approach to community investment, one that moves beyond transactional engagement toward long-term partnership.

Cross is helping redefine how healthcare systems engage communities, not as stakeholders, but as partners.

Connect

- Instagram: @officially.lesha

- LinkedIn: Phylicia Cross