Leadership Spotlight: Kai Milam
Meet CalAIM Program Director Kai Milam
How long have you been with EA? How did your career path lead you to your role here?
11 years. I began my journey at EA as a Housing Coordinator, working directly with clients to address housing instability for the THP+FC program. That hands‑on experience led me into the CalAIM Specialist role, where I focused on program implementation, compliance, and collaboration with managed care plans. Over time, this work evolved into my current role as Director, allowing me to build on each step of my experience to strengthen programs, support staff, and advance EA’s mission.
How do you prioritize self-care while leading in a high-demand field?
Honestly, it’s a work in progress. I have to remind myself that I’m not helpful to anyone when I’m running on empty, even though I sometimes act like caffeine and calendars count as self‑care. I try to protect my time, laugh when things get hectic, and step away when I need to reset. I’m very aware that balance doesn’t always come naturally to me, but I’m learning that taking care of myself is part of taking care of my team.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I have a pretty wide range of hobbies. I love music, practice archery, and train in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, which all give me very different ways to reset and stay grounded. That said, most of my spare time is really devoted to building and supporting my kids’ interests and hobbies. Watching them discover what they enjoy and grow into their own people is something I genuinely love and prioritize.
What’s a small daily habit that helps you stay productive?
A daily habit that really helps me stay productive is starting the day by identifying my top one or two priorities. I keep a running list in both a notebook and my email inbox. Sometimes it can become a task in itself to manage the lists!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received came from a mentor who challenged me to really examine why I wanted to work in this field. They pushed me to look beyond the job title or responsibilities and understand my underlying motivation. That reflection helped me work with purpose, and it’s something I come back to whenever the work feels heavy or the days get demanding. Knowing my “why” has made me a more intentional and resilient leader.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I’m grateful to work alongside such a committed group of people, and I appreciate everything we do to support one another and the communities we serve. We don’t always slow down enough to say it, but our work makes a real difference!