CHERA SOPER
New Braunfels,USA
Summary
Healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare insurance sector, specializing in growth and operational excellence. Successfully built and managed large-scale provider networks, negotiating over 10,000 contracts while consistently surpassing organizational goals. Expertise in strategic planning, business development, and revenue optimization, translating complex initiatives into measurable outcomes. Proven leader fostering high-performance cultures and ensuring efficient operations and regulatory compliance through analytical insights.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
National Account Manager, Managed Care Markets
THE PROMPTCARE COMPANIES dba ARJ INFUSION SERVICES, LLC
USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Drove national contracting and network growth, resulting in significant revenue expansion.
- Developed provider networks across all 50 states to enhance service availability.
- Streamlined contracting processes and negotiated statewide contracts to improve efficiency.
- Ensured specialty care needs of members were met, boosting satisfaction levels.
- Implemented performance metrics to monitor and enhance network efficiency.
- Supported operations and managed complex projects through cross-functional teams.
- Coordinated cross-functional meetings to align with stakeholder objectives.
- Educated providers and members on contractual obligations, ensuring compliance.
Director, Operations
SUPERIOR HEALTHPLAN
Austin, TX
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Directed account management for Travis and Central Medicaid Rural Service Area.
- Managed a team of 15 to develop provider networks across 40 counties.
- Expanded provider networks to strengthen community partnerships strategically.
- Oversaw operational initiatives to ensure compliance and service excellence.
- Analyzed provider performance data and market trends to inform growth strategies.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance staff performance and engagement.
Senior Director, Contracting and Network Development
SUPERIOR HEALTHPLAN
San Antonio, TX
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Directed operations and complex projects with cross-functional teams to meet strategic goals.
- Managed a production team of 22, processing agreements for over 54,000 providers.
- Streamlined statewide contracting processes through automation, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Developed first quality audit team, reducing errors from 27% to 3%.
- Oversaw contract appeals and grievances to ensure full compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated cross-functional meetings to align departments with organizational objectives.
- Analyzed contract production data to optimize workflows and improve performance tracking.
Director, Operations
SUPERIOR HEALTHPLAN
Lubbock, TX
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Managed 14 employees to expand provider networks across 73 Texas counties, engaging 5,000
providers and 75,000 members. - Oversaw Provider Networks, Community Ambassadors, and Clinical Nurse Liaisons to ensure alignment with organizational goals and State and Federal laws.
- Monitored data and workflows to identify opportunities for enhanced operational strategies.
- Achieve market share growth goals each year.
- Increase HEDIS quality measures to surpass 70% across managed network.
- Ensure 100% organizational compliance with all related laws, regulations, and executive orders.
- Create department’s strategic vision, objectives, and policies and procedures.
- Promote organization-wide success as Team Lead for internal employee committee (ASPIRE) that established company core values and regularly recognizes individuals for representing the values in their work.
Provider Relations Manager
FIRSTCARE HEALTH PLANS
Lubbock, TX
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Secured 1,500 provider networks through strategic negotiations, expanding regional access.
- Established first behavioral health network, growing to over 200 networks.
- Developed and negotiated 1,000+ new rates for member specialty care needs.
- Led Lubbock regional provider relations department, building networks across 120 counties.
- Hired, trained, and managed up to 25 employees, providing motivational leadership.
- Educated providers and members on contractual obligations to ensure compliance.
- Ensured 100% compliance with TDI and TMHP regulations.
- Built a database to enhance provider communications and streamline processes.
Senior Provider Relations Representative
FIRSTCARE HEALTH PLANS
Lubbock, TX
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Led a team of four focused on securing, maintaining, and growing provider networks for the Lubbock Texas Region.
- Supported contract and reimbursement negotiations.
- Assisted providers with problem resolution and communicated with providers on policy changes.
- Designed and presented at approximately 250 provider training programs and orientations.
- Produced and lead five Annual Workshops for up to 700 providers, including development of agendas and materials as well as presentation of information to a diverse audience.
- Identified gaps in care and negotiated 700 specialty contracts to meet network requirements.
- Ensured 100% organizational compliance with state and federal regulations.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Wayland Baptist University
Lubbock, TX01.2010
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Wayland Baptist University
Lubbock, TX01.2007
Skills
- Competitive analysis and market intelligence
- Strategic planning and product development
- Client and provider relationship management
- Data-driven decision making
- Business growth and retention
- Contract negotiations and development
- Value-based payment models
- Cost-of-care analytics and performance
metrics - Engagement strategies for providers and
members - Cross-functional leadership and operational
excellence - Quality assurance and audit management
- Project management
Honors And Awards
- Twenty Under Forty Honor Award, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, 2013-01-01
- President’s List and Dean’s List, Wayland Baptist University, 2005-01-01
- Employee of the Month, FirstCare Health Plans, 2003-11-01
Memberships And Associations
- United Way of Lubbock
- Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
- Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock (YPGL)
- Junior League of Lubbock
- The Junior Women’s Club
- Society for Human Resource Management
Timeline
National Account Manager, Managed Care Markets
THE PROMPTCARE COMPANIES dba ARJ INFUSION SERVICES, LLC
01.2021 - 01.2023
Director, Operations
SUPERIOR HEALTHPLAN
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Director, Contracting and Network Development
SUPERIOR HEALTHPLAN
01.2015 - 01.2018
Director, Operations
SUPERIOR HEALTHPLAN
01.2011 - 01.2015
Provider Relations Manager
FIRSTCARE HEALTH PLANS
01.2007 - 01.2011
Senior Provider Relations Representative
FIRSTCARE HEALTH PLANS
01.2002 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Wayland Baptist University
Master of Business Administration -
Wayland Baptist University