March 19, 2025

Faces of Careforth: Mike Adams

Faces of Careforth

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At Careforth, our mission to support family caregivers is driven by our passionate associates who are dedicated to making a difference. This month, we’re excited to shine a light on Mike Adams and his work as Director, Business Development, Government Relations. With his expertise in policy and advocacy, Mike plays a crucial role in bringing Careforth’s services to new states and expanding access for family caregivers.

What is your role and how long have you worked at Careforth?

I’m the Director of Government Programs and Government Relations and have been a part of Careforth for two and a half years.

What inspired you to join our team? 

Shortly before joining Careforth, I was thrust into a family situation where my dad was experiencing early onset dementia. My mom became his primary caregiver, and I the secondary. Being exposed to this challenge up close and being presented with an opportunity to join Careforth, I knew this was fate. I was, and still am, excited to help advocate for programs such as Structured Family Caregiving (SFC), and the individuals needing the assistance it provides, at the state and federal levels.

How do you support families and caregivers in your role, and why is it important? 

Currently, I’m working with an amazing team to introduce one of our services, Caregiver Coaching, in my home state where there is no comparable Medicaid Waiver service to support family caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities. It feels great to know I’m making a difference in my backyard!

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I love seeing the excitement and curiosity that elected and appointed officials have once they learn about what we do. Walking the halls of Capitol Hill and meeting state leaders where I can share the stories of how SFC is changing lives and helping families lights me up. I also have the honor of sharing my parents’ story in these conversations, and it’s often their love story between a spouse and caregiver that I lead with.

How do you contribute to our company’s mission and values? 

I think of myself as an ambassador of our core value, lead with heart. I bring my authentic self to work every day, even if that means showing my excitement or exhaustion. In between the grind of my normal duties, the privilege of serving as executive sponsor to our affinity group, Power of Difference, has been so, so rewarding. To offer coaching to a dynamic team as we help increase belonging and vulnerability in our organization is a true blessing. 

What’s something interesting about your job that people may not know? 

That we have to read a lot! And that our process for launching a new service in a state can take up to two years or longer. 

How do you maintain a positive work-life balance in this field?  

I do my best to take mental and physical time-outs. I enjoy early walks in the morning with our Labrador and quiet time listening to jazz. I also throw on my cooking apron daily to prepare savory meals for my family. Cooking is my therapy. I’ve recently purchased an alto saxophone to get closer to my affinity for jazz. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in healthcare?  

Having no prior experience in the field before joining Careforth, I think it’s important that the person leans into the specific area of healthcare that they’re interested in or passionate about. Healthcare is such a large sector! Consider volunteer opportunities to see up close the patient-provider interactions and take time to learn the policies in that area.

Thank you for reading this month’s edition of Faces of Careforth featuring Mike Adams. At Careforth, we strive to provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported at every turn in their caregiving journey. If you’re inspired by Mike’s story and want to be a part of a team that leads with heart, cultivates trust, and goes beyond, visit our Careers page to learn more and explore our current openings.