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CareOregon announces new CEO

Board announces Eric C. Hunter as CEO
April 20, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. — After a five-month nationwide search, the CareOregon board of directors has chosen Eric C. Hunter, currently chief operating officer of Boston Medical Center Healthnet Plan, as CareOregon’s new chief executive officer.

”All 12 members of our board were actively engaged in the process,” said Vickie Gates, board chair. “And they unanimously support the decision to name Eric as the fourth CEO in our 22-year history.”

“We were seeking a leader who can bring fresh, innovative ideas to the task of health care integration, while retaining the spirit of collaboration, innovation and commitment to community that is at the heart of CareOregon,” said board member Glenn Rodriguez, MD, who chaired the search committee.

Hunter has held a number of leadership positions and has worked for community-based, provider-sponsored and not-for-profit health plans. He also brings experience with Medicaid programs and provider relations, as well as familiarity with mental and behavioral issues facing the community.

“Before this search began, I had already heard of the innovative and exciting changes to Medicaid being made in Oregon,” said Hunter. “As far back as the early 1990s, I actually had the chance to sit down with then-Governor Kitzhaber to learn about the budding Oregon Health Plan. Since CareOregon has always taken a leadership role in Oregon’s Medicaid system, I was familiar with its outstanding reputation for innovation and care support. I am very excited not only to join CareOregon, but to join Oregon’s vibrant health community.”

The board began its national search for a permanent CEO in fall 2015. Scott Clement was selected to lead the organization as interim CEO until a permanent replacement was named. Witt/Kieffer, an executive search firm, assisted the board during the hiring process.

“I would like to thank the board for its engagement in the CEO search process. Ensuring strong leadership for CareOregon is the board’s most important charge,” stated Vickie Gates, board chair. “The board extends its gratitude to Scott for guiding the organization during this time of transition, and to former CEO Patrick Curran, for his dedication to CareOregon over the past 4 years.”

Hunter will begin his new role on June 1, 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Leo University and a master’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University.

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For information, contact Jeanie Lunsford, 503-416-3626, [email protected], or Jerry Rhodes, 360-904-7801.

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About CareOregon

CareOregon is a nonprofit community benefits company that’s been involved in health plan services, reforms and innovations since 1994, serving Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and Medicare members and their communities. Our mission is cultivating individual well-being and community health through shared learning and innovation. Our vision is healthy communities for all individuals, regardless of income or social circumstances. We focus on the total health of our members, not just traditional health care. In teaming up with members, their families and their communities, we help Oregonians live better lives, prevent illness and respond effectively to health issues.

CareOregon’s is a complex health services organization, which includes CareOregon’s Medicaid program, as one of the partners in Health Share of Oregon; CareOregon LLCs Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization and Jackson Care Connect, CareOregon Dental, CareOregon Advantage Medicare plans. CareOregon also provides management services for Yamhill Community Care Organization and sponsors Way2Wellville-Clatsop County. CareOregon’s CEO will serve on the boards of each of its health plans.

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