It’s official. Jack Friedman is leaving Providence Health Plans on June 30.
The long-time CEO told The Lund Report he’s feeling great about Providence, which, in his estimation, has never been stronger.
The health insurer just broke the 500,000 enrollment mark with its commercial and self-insured plans, had a strong year in 2014, and became one of only 11 plans in the country given a five-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“It’s all good, and the system is really happy with the plan and its performance,” he said.
Providence also intends to take a serious look at re-entering the OEBB market – which covers 148,000 school district employees and their dependents – and bid on its RFP, which will be released in early July.
“We were in OEBB several years ago and are interested in being there again in the right circumstances,” he said.
Friedman expects his successor to be named prior to his departure, and said both external and internal candidates are under consideration.
“It’s taken a little longer than we thought, and someone will be named before I leave.” Friedman has spent the past 27 years at Providence, and had originally planned to retire in January, saying publicly: “The timing of my retirement on Jan. 1, 2015, from Providence seems right. The timing seems right. We're growing our membership again, and the plan's financial position has never been stronger." He added that the plan's ‘young leaders are’ ready to assume more responsibility, and we need to advance them."
Plaudits are already surfacing about Friedman’s impact on the healthcare system.
Denise Honzel, president of Zoom Health Insurance, called him “one of the best healthcare leaders in our state who’s contributed a tremendous amount to the industry.”
Once he retires, Friedman intends to do more traveling and remain on the board of Stand for Children. Last year, he earned $550,032 at Providence Health Plans, representing a 28 percent decrease and $23,914 from Providence Health Assurance, its Medicaid arm.
In 2003, Friedman left Providence to join Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon as its president and work under the direction of Mark Ganz, CEO and president of Cambia Health Solutions, its parent company. However, he left after several months and take the helm once again at Providence.
Christensen also steps down
Barbara Lee Christensen, the chief sales and marketing officer at Providence Health Plans, is stepping down after 30 years.
In a message sent to Providence employees, she shared her excitement about starting a new phase of her life.
“I am so grateful for your support and advice over the years, as well as your trust in Providence Health Plan for your clients. As a result, we have grown to become one of the largest and most successful health plans in Oregon,” her message read. Providence is a strong and dedicated organization and will continue to provide you and your clients with the service and stability you expect. Again, thank you for the privilege of working with you. I feel blessed to have spent my career in such an important industry.”
Last year Christensen earned $339,323 in compensation, representing a 2 percent increase, according to filings with the Oregon Insurance Division. At Providence, she’s been responsible for the statewide sales, marketing and product development for its commercial, individual and Medicare programs. Prior to joining Providence, she worked for Kaiser Permanente.
