Law Enforcement, Medicaid Fraud Veteran Named to Lead TennCare Fraud Division

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A veteran law enforcement investigator with Medicaid fraud experience has been named Inspector General in the Department of Finance and Administration (F&A). Kim Harmon will lead efforts to combat fraud among members of TennCare, the state’s healthcare insurance program.  She succeeds Emmanuel (Manny) Tyndall, who is retiring after 14 years in the office, including four as Inspector General.

“There were many very good candidates we considered for this important role, and Kim has specialized experience in fraud investigations as well as working knowledge in handling Medicaid fraud,” Commissioner Larry Martin said. “She also specializes in training and leading others, which is key to this position.”

Harmon, 51, has been at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Training Division since 2011, where she’s been a Special Agent in Charge for six years. She was a Special Agent with TBI’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit from 2001 until 2010. She also worked at the Tennessee Department of Revenue for seven years investigating tax fraud and as a tax auditor. Her early career also included positions as a tax auditor in Tennessee and Texas.

“This is a terrific opportunity to have a positive impact in preserving taxpayer funds allocated for people enrolled in the state’s TennCare program,” Harmon said. “I look forward to continuing the OIG’s work, especially in the area of drug fraud, and building on the program’s successes.”

Ms. Harmon holds a Master of Professional Studies degree from Tennessee State University and an undergraduate degree from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City. Her special training includes international anti-terrorism training, counterdrug training and Medicaid fraud training, among other law enforcement and government management training and certifications.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005.