Experienced leader with a proven track record in strategic planning and driving organizational growth. Prepared to take on a senior management role, leveraging expertise in fostering team collaboration and delivering results through effective leadership and adaptability. Strong project management, decision-making, and communication skills consistently contribute to successful outcomes. Recognized for reliability and the ability to navigate changing environments with ease.
Chief Compliance Officer for largest business unit, Commercial and Specialty Business Division (CSBD), including Large & Small Group fully insured, ASO, Individual/ACA, Dental, Vision, Third Party Administrator
Assure comprehensive and effective compliance support for all 14 Blue Cross health plans, including monitoring and oversight of delegated entities, support and facilitation for all market conduct examinations, operations oversight, regulatory guidance and support
Develop and execute comprehensive and effective compliance programs for all CSBD companies/lines of business.
Completed reorganization and realignment of largest compliance team to drive improved results, better alignment to business objectives, budget efficiencies and more effective compliance programs across all CSBD.
Significant YOY reduction of regulatory fines, penalties, and repeat findings in Market Conduct Exams.
Carelon Global Svcs Compliance & Privacy Officer
Elevance Health, Inc.
01.2017 - Current
Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer for fast growing Global Capabilities and In-House Center with over 15,000 employees and locations in Israel, India, Ireland, Puerto Rico and Philippines
Develop and execute fit for purpose Compliance program global business including training and communications, third party due diligence, anti-bribery/corruption, FCPA monitoring and oversight as well as compliance with all applicable local country laws and regulations.
Close collaboration with Country Heads to drive highly effective, culturally relevant Culture of Compliance and assure effective internal controls, strong 'tone at the top' in alignment with DOJ Compliance Program Evaluation Guidelines
Medicaid Chief Compliance Officer
Elevance Health, Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2023
Chief Compliance officer for dynamic, fast-paced and growth-oriented Medicaid Business Unit of leading, national health insurer
Provide Executive Leadership for Compliance and Regulatory Services Team of over 150 associates located across 26 states
Reduced fines and penalties by over 50% year over year from 2016 – 2020
Responsible for execution of comprehensive and effective Compliance and Issue Management Program in highly regulated segment of healthcare industry
Responsible for Regulatory Reporting for Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid lines of business
Responsible for licensing and holding company filings across all lines of business
Interim, Enterprise Chief Compliance Officer
Elevance Health, Inc.
08.2021 - 05.2022
Interim Chief Compliance Officer responsible for implementation and monitoring of effectiveness of Anthem’s Ethics, Compliance and Privacy programs and strategy
Oversee all Ethics, Compliance and Privacy functions for Company, subsidiaries and affiliates including Commercial, Exchange, Medicare, Medicaid
Direct engagement with Board and business leadership to drive a culture of compliance and accountability
Deliver Compliance Training to the Board and provide quarterly updates to the Audit Committee, CEO and executive leadership on material risks, issues, and strategic priorities
Chief Compliance Officer, Privacy Officer
Alere Toxicology Services, Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2014
Company Overview: Compliance Officer for a leading, $3.0B+ toxicology company (pre-Abbott acquisition) providing testing solutions to a wide variety of industries including employers, government agencies, occupational health clinics, managed care organizations, pain management practitioners, physician offices and substance rehabilitation centers
Manage and oversee a team of 75 employees, including Compliance Department, Field Service Representatives and Compliance Training & Education Department
Develop, implement and maintain Corporate Compliance Program including but not limited to policies and procedures, Compliance Hotline, auditing and monitoring, compliance training and education and internal investigations to detect, mitigate and/or prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct
Develop and execute Annual Compliance Work Plan based on internal risk assessments, OIG guidance, state and federal requirements, relevant contractual obligations, and industry trends to ensure ongoing organizational compliance
Provide relevant guidance to identify and create awareness concerning critical compliance concerns including but not limited to Federal and State Anti-Kickback Laws, Stark Law, Fraud, Waste and Abuse, Medicare/Medicaid billing, False Claims Act, HIPAA, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Patient Billing
Provide Compliance Program Effectiveness reports to Audit Committee and Senior Management on a regular basis, and as directed or requested
Compliance Officer for a leading, $3.0B+ toxicology company (pre-Abbott acquisition) providing testing solutions to a wide variety of industries including employers, government agencies, occupational health clinics, managed care organizations, pain management practitioners, physician offices and substance rehabilitation centers
Division Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2012
Key member of Florida & Hawai’i Division Senior Management Team repositioning the company to improve relationships with regulatory agencies and other key external stakeholders
Lead all regulatory affairs and compliance activities for Florida/Hawai’i Division focusing on Medicaid, Medicare and SCHIP programs
Direct report to Division President with oversight of regulatory affairs, operations compliance, quality improvement and government relations activities in Florida
Dotted-line report to General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for all legal and compliance matters
Led a team of 15 associates through four direct reports including Florida Director of Regulatory Affairs, Hawaii Director of Regulatory Affairs, and Florida Senior Director of Government Affairs
Achievement: Significantly improved compliance oversight and monitoring in Florida and Hawai’i markets contributing directly to successful expansion and increased revenue in both markets
Second Vice President & Assistant General Counsel, Corporate Legal Department
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2005
Provided counsel and assistance to LTC and HHC reinsurance actuarial units with respect to various insurance regulatory matters including rate increases, reinsurance policies, holding company filings
Reviewed and provided counsel with respect to confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and vendor contracting issues involving claims administrators and other TPAs
Provided counsel to human resources unit with respect to employee benefit coverage issues and disputes, including ERISA, COBRA and employee benefit issues
Provided counsel and assistance with respect to liability issues involved with reinsured carrier market conduct examinations, regulatory investigations and settlements
Compliance Director, American Travelers Assurance Company, Corporate Secretary
HealthMarket Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2004
Led development and execution of HealthMarket's Regulatory Compliance Department activities and direct report to both General Counsel and CEO
Responsible for developing and maintaining HealthMarket's external relationships with elected and appointed state officials to ensure representation of the company's position on key issues
Functioned as Privacy and Corporate Compliance Officer and managed all aspects of corporate compliance and privacy programs including development and maintenance of written policies and procedures, development and implementation of compliance program, compliance communications, training, issue monitoring, risk analysis and mitigation
Led all regulatory and compliance activities for licensed entities in 38 states, including Georgia, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Connecticut, New York, Missouri and District of Columbia
Served as the central point of contact for associates, customers and vendors regarding the interpretation and application of relevant laws, regulations, health care industry standards, and corporate policies and procedures
Retained and managed outside counsel, lobbyists and other consultants on relevant matters and participated in the management of those resources
Provided quarterly reports to Board on key compliance metrics, risks and related indicators
Managing Director, Benefits and Regulatory Compliance Department
Emblem Health
01.1997 - 01.2001
Lead corporate liaison with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida Departments of Insurance for approval of all HIP Health Plans and HIP Insurance Company products and programs, including managed Medicaid and SCHIP products
Provided legal and regulatory counsel to Underwriting and Actuarial Departments regarding all state and federal regulatory requirements
Liaison with the Office of Personnel Management ('OPM') for company's participation in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, including review of annual benefits proposal, negotiations with OPM on new plan benefits and consultation regarding new initiatives
Monitored and analyzed legislative trends, government initiatives and promulgation of new regulations
Responsible for implementing business process changes resulting from new laws or regulations
Development and maintenance of compliance dashboard comprised of key performance indicators and reported findings to Senior Management
Associate Counsel, Legal Department
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
01.1996 - 01.1997
Counsel, Legal and Government Affairs Department
CIGNA Corporation
01.1993 - 01.1996
Associate Attorney, Litigation Department
Cummings & Lockwood
01.1991 - 01.1993
Education
J.D. - Law
Fordham University School of Law
Skills
Team leadership
Project management
Strategic planning
Operations oversight
Budget management
Risk management
Change management
Compliance management
Accomplishments
Promoted to develop and implement a national strategy for enterprise-wide compliance initiatives, programs, and processes through technology, leading to significant program maturity improvements.
Optimized center of expertise shared service units for issue and risk management, regulatory reporting, licensing filings, and applications, ensuring operational processes delivered with speed, accuracy, and quality.
Enhanced reporting and data analytics capabilities, producing robust, comprehensive data driven reports that increased transparency and visibility.
Measured and reported program effectiveness, identifying opportunities for incremental improvement, elevating program maturity and awareness, and establishing outcome-driven, value-based performance metrics for continuous improvement.
Built and executed offshore strategies to identify efficiencies and leverage Carelon Global Services, contributing to operational enhancements and cost savings, while ensuring strict adherence to offshoring prohibitions.
Standardized monitoring and reporting processes, including risk management, regulatory alerts/exams, regulatory mandates, and compliance plans, ensuring cohesiveness across the enterprise.