CareOregon is on the fast track to hire a new CEO following the resignation of Patrick Curran last November. Although no one from the organization would comment on the recruitment process, The Lund Report learned that preliminary interviews with the board’s search committee are scheduled for next week with the final interviews commencing in early April.
Since his departure, Scott Clement, chief network officer, has stepped in as interim CEO. “It has been a privilege to work at CareOregon,” Curram said earlier. “My top priorities right now are to support my family and ensure a seamless transition for CareOregon. Since CareOregon will continue to have its existing and outstanding management team, staff and board in place, I know it will continue to thrive.”
CareOregon has retained Witt/Kiefer, a national recruiting firm, to search for Curran’s replacement. According to its website, the nonprofit healthcare plan is looking for a seasoned health plan leader – a bold strategic thinker, a superb communicator and a strong relationship builder who can navigate the healthcare landscape and work at the intersection of vision, policy and politics.
Currently, CareOregon serves 240,000 Medicaid members in 11 counties and its network includes 371 primary care provider clinics, approximately 1,800 specialist clinics, 48 dental clinics, 44 hospitals, and 82 federally qualified Health centers. It also has 12,000 mainly low-income Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans and 50,000 tri-county area Medicaid members through CareOregon Dental. Its new CEO is expected to achieve the following in their first 12 to 18 months:
- Lead the board, senior team and appropriate stakeholders through a strategic planning process;
Position CareOregon successfully for a changing landscape as the healthcare market becomes more competitive with new health plans entering the marketplace. By the end of 2018, new Oregon Health Plan contracts are expected to go out to bid, with more plans competing for existing members;
- Strengthen the financial. administrative and operational performance of CareOregon since its Medicare product line has become a core focal point and improve its star rating from 3.5 to 4, which will allow the health plan to receive significantly higher rates for its dual eligible population;
- Determine if CareOregon should seek reaccreditation by NCQA in 2017;
- Develop outstanding working relationships with the physician and provider communities, CCOs, FQHCs, hospitals, multiple county, state and federal leaders; and,
- Promote the continuation of CareOregon’s culture as an innovator and risk taker to improve community health.
The choice of a new CEO rests with CareOregon ‘s board of directors, which is led by Vickie Gates. Other board members include Colleen Cain, Scott Clement, Beth deHamel, Joanne Fuller, Damien Hall, Brenda Johnson, Dr. Nathalie Johnson, Chris Krenk, Dr. Glenn Rodriguez, Bob Stewart, Suk Rhee and Susan Hennessy. Diane can be reached at [email protected].
