ST. LOUIS, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation
(NYSE: CNC) today announced the appointment of Holly Benson as Senior Vice President of Health
Policy.
Ms. Benson brings more than 10 years of government and public
policy experience to Centene. Most recently, she served as
Secretary for the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration,
the state agency responsible for Florida's Medicaid program.
She previously served as Secretary for the Florida Department
of Business and Professional Regulation, and she served as a member
of the Florida House of Representatives. In the House, Benson
served as Chair of the Health Care Council and worked with Governor
Jeb Bush on Medicaid reform
legislation. Benson also spent 10 years practicing municipal
bond law with Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
"Ms. Benson brings a unique perspective and invaluable
experience working for governmental agencies to Centene's senior
leadership team," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Neidorff. "With
healthcare reform a high priority for the public and our state
partners, Ms. Benson's new role will be critical in helping Centene
drive sound health policy both nationally and at the state
level."
"In working with Centene's leaders when they launched Sunshine
State Health Plan in Florida, I was impressed by their commitment
to providing quality health care to their members and to keeping
that health care affordable," Ms. Benson said. "I am eager to bring
that commitment to quality and affordability to the other states
around the country."
Ms. Benson graduated with honors from Dartmouth College and earned her law degree from
the University of Florida College of
Law. She is active in her community, having served on the
Mary Brogan Museum of Art Board and served as a member of the
Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
and Florida Council of 100, and has
been recognized by several organizations for her outstanding
efforts in healthcare policy and business leadership, including the
Florida Association of Health Plans, the Florida Medical
Association and Associated Industries of Florida.
In addition, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development
Jesse Hunter has been named Chairman
of a new Operating Committee. The group will also consist of our
Health Plan Business Unit led by Mark
Eggert and the Specialty Business Unit led by Jason Harrold. The Operating Committee will give
guidance to and ensure appropriate coordination of all three
entities, and all steps will remain in place to maintain the
separation and integrity of the Specialty Companies and Health
Plans.
"This will allow me more time to focus on Centene's growth and
strategic objectives," said Mr. Neidorff. "I have agreed with
the Board to stay in my current capacity for at least five
years."
Mr. Hunter joined Centene Corporation in 2002, soon after the
Company went public. During that time, he has held several
key positions contributing to the growth and success of Centene.
The move is effective immediately.
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading
multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related
services to the rising number of under-insured and uninsured
individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid,
including the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well
as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster
Care, long-term care, other state-sponsored programs and
Medicare (Special Needs Plans). Centene's CeltiCare subsidiary
offers states unique "exchange-based" and other cost-effective
coverage solutions for low-income populations. The company operates
local health plans and offers a range of health insurance
solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial
organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral
health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth
services, and pharmacy benefits management. More information
regarding Centene is available at www.centene.com.
SOURCE Centene Corporation