PORTLAND, Ore. — Providence Health Plan has named Mike Cotton as chief executive officer. Cotton comes to Providence from Humana Inc., where he served as vice president and chief operating officer for Humana’s dual eligible and Medicaid programs and was responsible for the management and operations of the company’s Medicaid and state-based contract programs. Cotton will step into his new role in October.
“Our nationwide search for a leader whose vision to transform health care while keeping the needs of our members a top priority led us to Mike,” says Rhonda Medows, M.D., executive vice president for population health with Providence Health & Services. “Mike’s experience is a natural fit for our strategic efforts to serve more populations, improve health outcomes, operate under more accountable care agreements and enhance the experience for our patients, customers and members.”
Cotton brings more than 25 years of experience leading health plans, growing membership, successfully overseeing risk arrangements and serving members through a variety of care models. As chief executive officer, Cotton will provide strategic leadership for Providence Health Plan’s commercial, self-funded, Medicare and Medicaid programs, which currently serve more than 500,000 members.
Prior to joining Humana, Cotton held executive management roles with Evolent Health and Alere Health, two leading population health firms, and was a world-wide partner and market leader for Mercer Consulting. In addition, Cotton has led provider sponsored health plans affiliated with University Hospitals Health System and Premier Health System.
“I am excited to lead the Providence Health Plan team and to become a member of the greater Providence Health & Services family,” Cotton said. “Throughout my career, I have learned that serving members is an incredible responsibility. I am delighted to join Providence where superior customer service is our goal. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues to continue helping our members live healthier lives.”
Cotton graduated from Cleveland State University, earning an MBA in health care administration. Cotton also holds a certificate of executive health care management from Case Western Reserve University and completed his undergraduate studies at Franklin University and The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
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About Providence Health Plan: Providence Health Plan provides health care coverage services to more than 500,000 members nationwide. Providence Health Plan is part of Providence Health & Services. Visit www.providencehealthplan.com.
