Executive Moves

Optum Health, the care delivery arm of UnitedHealth Group, has named Krista Nelson as its new CEO. “I’m deeply grateful to be part of an organization with such an important mission and an incredible team,” Ms. Nelson wrote on Linkedin…

Priority Health has named Nick Gates as the company’s new president.  Mr. Gates had been serving as interim president since May and has been with the health plan for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of finance and…

Chris DeRosa, Cigna’s Executive Vice President of Business Improvement and Innovation, retired after more than two decades in leadership positions with the company.  Mr. DeRosa had served in his most recent role since March and previously served as president of…

The Cigna Group has promoted Amy Flaster, MD, to chief medical officer.  Dr. Flaster assumed the role Nov. 1 after serving as chief medical officer for Cigna Healthcare, the company’s insurance division, since December, according to a Nov. 6 news…

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware has named Timothy Vessel president.  Mr. Vessel joins Highmark Delaware after more than 30 years at Cigna, according to his LinkedIn page. He most recently served as general manager of Cigna’s South Texas and…

Writer and former first daughter Chelsea Clinton will no longer serve on Clover Health’s board, according to an Oct. 31 news release. According to the company, Ms. Clinton was the longest-serving board member, having joined in early 2017. Oct. 31…

Value-based physician enablement company Wellvana has named Susan Diamond CEO, effective immediately.  Ms. Diamond has served in the role on an interim basis since August, in addition to her role as president and CFO, according to an Oct. 30 Wellvana…

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City President and CEO Erin Stucky said she will retire by the end of 2026.  Ms. Stucky has been with the company for more than 30 years, including more than six years as…

Jenny Smith will take over as president and COO of the Hawaii Medical Service Association on Nov. 1, according to an Oct. 24 news release. She will serve as the organization’s first female president. Since April 2024, Ms. Smith has…

Optum has named Ben Eklo as its next chief financial officer, effective Nov. 1.  Mr. Eklo has been with the company for 18 years, a spokesperson for UnitedHealth Group told Becker’s. He replaces Roger Connor, who was named CFO of…