Beverly Zaluk
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Contract Negotiator and Program Manager with over a decade of experience in leading contract negotiation, compliance, and operational execution within regulated environments. Expertise in managing multimillion-dollar portfolios while effectively mitigating risk and guiding teams through intricate contract lifecycle management processes. Proven track record of fostering collaboration among business, legal, and technical stakeholders to achieve compliant, high-value agreements. Committed to mentoring teams, enhancing processes, and driving alignment across functions to ensure adherence to legal, corporate, and regulatory standards.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Provider Contracting
Astrana Health
07.2020 - Current
- Lead contract manager for hospital and ancillary service agreements exceeding multimillion-dollar annual spend across Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid lines of business.
- Draft, negotiate, and execute complex contracts and amendments utilizing various payment methodologies ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, corporate policies, and budgetary objectives while ensuring networks meet adequacy standards.
- Collaborate with legal counsel to interpret redlines and refine templates, maintaining consistency and compliance across 100+ active agreements.
- Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership through detailed analysis and presentations, supporting contract decisions and risk assessments.
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders, legal, finance, operations, and business development to ensure contract alignment with corporate objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and drive competitive advantage.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to optimize workflows and improve service delivery standards.
- Led initiatives to streamline dispute resolution processes, significantly reducing claim turnaround time.
- Mentor Team members on negotiation strategies, compliance documentation and issue resolution
Senior Contract Manager, Affordability Team (CA Market)
UnitedHealthcare
04.2018 - 07.2020
- Directed negotiation and management of provider and ancillary contracts totaling over $25M across multiple lines of business.
- Led efforts for market expansion, developed tracking system for team
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies, DMHC audit standards, and government program requirements.
- Led affordability initiatives, identifying and implementing cost containment and savings opportunities across networks.
- Negotiated with out of network providers post claim submission
- Subject matter expert for contract repository systems, training staff and improving data accuracy.
- Oversaw contract negotiations, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk exposure.
- Provided strategic guidance to executives on reimbursement methodology and contract terms.
- Facilitated training sessions on contract management software to improve team proficiency and productivity.
- Developed strong relationships with clients and vendors, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Coordinated regular contract reviews to identify areas for improvement or renegotiation opportunities.
- Mitigated business risks by analyzing contracts' potential impacts and avoiding unfavorable terms.
HMO Contracting Manager
Prospect Medical Systems
07.2017 - 03.2018
- Managed evaluation and renewal of health plan contracts to ensure adherence to risk-sharing and performance-based requirements.
- Partnered with legal and medical leadership to create and implement program-based incentive structures.
- Coordinated multi-state contract renewal initiatives, strengthening provider networks in California, Texas and the Northeast.
- Implemented performance metrics for contracts, ensuring accountability and continual improvement.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to align contracting activities with business objectives.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Negotiated and executed contracts on behalf of department.
- Developed staff training materials and conducted onboarding for new contract specialists.
Contract Manager / Associate Contract Manager
Tufts Health Plan
11.2012 - 06.2017
- Oversaw contracting and network management for behavioral health, surgery centers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and individual providers across all lines of business.
- Led integration projects, including DMEPOS affiliate contracts, assessing financial and operational impact and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Partnered with finance and legal teams to develop contract terms, reimbursement rates, and savings strategies that achieved substantial cost reductions.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on contract administration procedures and systems.
- Key contributor to regulatory and compliance committees, ensuring all contracts met federal and state requirements.
- Negotiated single case agreements when applicable
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders to facilitate collaboration.
- Led cross-functional teams in the implementation of strategic contract initiatives.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in contract management and compliance standards.
- Evaluated contractual agreements for regulatory adherence, ensuring minimal exposure to liabilities.
- Facilitated communication between internal teams and external partners, ensuring seamless collaboration throughout the contracting process.
- Ensured timely execution of contract amendments, keeping pace with changing business needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychological Counseling
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJBachelor of Science - Hotel, Restaurant, Institutional Management
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VASkills
- Contract Management
- Negotiation Strategy
- Regulatory Adherence
- Process Improvement
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Dispute Resolution
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Government & Commercial Agreements
- Data analytics
Earlier Career Highlights
- - Operational Supervisor, Behavioral Health – Tufts Health Plan Directed call center operations, compliance with program mandates, and staff training initiatives.
- - Clinician / Program Manager – Behavioral health and case management roles with Value Options, Arbour Counseling, and Catholic Charities.
Professional Highlights
- - Experienced in contract lifecycle management, complex fee schedules and critical thinking.
- - Adept at translating complex regulations into actionable strategies.
- - Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate teams for high performance.
- - Strong communication and stakeholder relationship management skills.
Timeline
Senior Manager, Provider Contracting
Astrana Health
07.2020 - Current
Senior Contract Manager, Affordability Team (CA Market)
UnitedHealthcare
04.2018 - 07.2020
HMO Contracting Manager
Prospect Medical Systems
07.2017 - 03.2018
Contract Manager / Associate Contract Manager
Tufts Health Plan
11.2012 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Hotel, Restaurant, Institutional Management
Virginia Tech
Master of Arts - Psychological Counseling
Monmouth University