Eric H. Schultz to leave Fallon Community Health Plan
W. Patrick Hughes named interim President and CEO by board of directors
Worcester, Mass., February 11, 2010 ― Fallon Community Health Plan’s board of directors today announced that it has accepted the resignation of President and CEO Eric H. Schultz effective immediately. Schultz will be joining Harvard Pilgrim Health Care as President and CEO.
The board also announced that it has named W. Patrick Hughes, FCHP’s Division President of Health Plan Operations, as interim President and CEO. The board will discuss a permanent succession plan at their March meeting.
In accepting Schultz’s resignation, David W. Hillis, Chairman of FCHP’s board of directors, praised him for his innovation and vision and thanked him for the outstanding leadership he demonstrated during his 10 years of service. Hillis also expressed confidence in Hughes for his track record as a proven leader and for his ability to keep FCHP moving in the right direction.
“Under Eric’s leadership, FCHP achieved significant growth and success in many areas – brand reputation, membership, service, and product and network expansion,” Hillis said. “In Pat, we see a leader with a strong commitment to the success of Fallon Community Health Plan and someone who is focused on achieving results. Since Pat came on board, FCHP has achieved steady and unprecedented membership growth. We’re confident in his demonstrated ability to lead the organization through this time of transition.”
“It’s been a privilege to serve alongside such a talented leadership team and outstanding, dedicated employees. I’m proud of all that Fallon Community Health Plan has achieved and the continued emphasis each and every employee places on the organization’s mission and on being one of the country’s top health plans,” Schultz said. “As a key member of the leadership team and an advocate for all that FCHP does for its customers and its communities, Pat will maintain momentum and keep the company focused.”
Hughes, who has extensive experience in sales, marketing and strategic business planning within the insurance industry, joined FCHP in 2007 as Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, responsible for implementing and executing FCHP’s marketing and sales strategy in New England. That same year he was named President of FCHP’s Health Plan Operations Division, which encompasses several areas including Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Care and Utilization Management and Information Technology.
“Eric and the strong leadership team he developed have closely worked together to set a course for this organization that’s allowed us to seek unique and diverse solutions in the financing and delivery of health care,” Hughes said. “We remain focused on our business plans and priorities, which include continuing to provide outstanding value, quality and service to all of our customers.”
Hughes also said that FCHP will remain committed to its dual strategy of continued membership growth and product diversification into the senior care services area. For 2009, FCHP’s membership was the highest in the organization’s 32-year history. In support of its senior care services strategy, FCHP has continued to expand its Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which is called Summit ElderCare®. Additionally, last year FCHP launched NaviCareSM HMO, a Medicare Advantage Plan and Senior Care Options program that’s available to those age 65 and over in Worcester County who are enrolled in MassHealth Standard.
Before joining FCHP, Hughes served as President and CEO of W. P. Hughes and Company, a successful consulting and brokerage firm he founded in New Hampshire. Prior to owning his own business, Hughes was Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts from 1994 to 2000. Under his leadership, BCBSMA achieved unprecedented growth and profitability. Previously, he served as the President of Employee Benefit Plan Administration, the largest third-party administrator in New England.
Currently, Hughes is on the board of directors of the VNA Care Network & Hospice in Worcester, Mass. and the Lowell Plan in Lowell, Mass. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Boston University, and is a member of the university’s Scarlet Key Society and the B.U. athletic Hall of Fame. He is a 10-year veteran of the National Football League.
Christine Cassidy
christine.cassidy@fchp.org
About Fallon Community Health PlanFounded in 1977, Fallon Community Health Plan is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care services organization. From traditional health insurance products available throughout Massachusetts for all populations, to innovative health care programs and services for independent seniors, FCHP supports the diverse and changing needs of all those it serves. FCHP has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is the only health plan in Massachusetts to have been awarded “Excellent” Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.