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Priority Health Announces New President

Analysis  |  By Jack O'Brien  
   December 16, 2020

Over the summer, Priority announced that its president and CEO Joan Budden would retire at the start of 2021.

Priority Health announced Praveen Thadani, a longtime healthcare veteran, as its new president Wednesday afternoon.

Thadani, who previously worked for Humana Inc. and UnitedHealth Group, will assume his new position with Priority in January.

Over the summer, Priority announced that Joan Budden, who has served as president and CEO since 2016, would retire at the start of 2021.

Related: CEO of Priority Health Announces Retirement

"Praveen is a transformative health care leader with extensive industry experience and a passion for innovation and developing talent," Tina Freese Decker, CEO of Spectrum Health, the health system that includes Priority, said in a statement. "His commitment to building relationships with members, employers, agents and providers will help us maintain the momentum we have created as we continue working to provide affordable access to care and have a positive impact on the communities we serve."

Related: Spectrum Health CFO's Advice for Hospitals Heading Into a Dark Winter

"Priority Health is a nationally recognized health plan with innovative products, digital solutions and a strong leadership team," Thadani said in a statement. "I’ve admired the work of Priority Health for many years, particularly its focus as a nonprofit company with a commitment to lowering the cost of care while focused on leveraging digital solutions, analytics and integration to drive more personalized experiences that improve the health of the community. I am honored to have been selected for this role and am excited about collaborating to achieve the vision of personalized health made simple, affordable and exceptional."

Related: Total Health Care-Priority Health Merger Approved by Michigan Regulators

Jack O'Brien is the Content Team Lead and Finance Editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.

Photo credit: Priority Health Grand Rapids corporate Headquarters / Photo courtesy of Priority Health


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