President & CEO
Reno
Number of Employees: 225
Years in Nevada: 18
Years with Company: 14
How did you get into your profession?
After graduating from Michigan State, I joined Arthur Andersen as a CPA, performing audits in Detroit and Madrid, Spain. Among my clients was a forerunner in managed care, Independence Health Plan. Eventually, Independence offered me a CFO position, which I accepted.
What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry?
For anyone starting a career in the field of insurance – or any industry – establishing a clear and reasoned set of ethics and values will facilitate decision making. You will be tested in many ways, and a strong personal code will help you maintain your integrity.
What is the biggest challenge your industry is facing?
Cost pressures. There are many misperceptions about health care costs. Helping members and employers understand pricing is a real challenge.
What is the best perk of your career?
My staff. They’re energetic, motivated and dedicated. They’re also fun. It’s enjoyable to go to the office every day.
What do you wish you would have learned at the beginning of your career?
That people solve problems in many different ways.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The value of patience and perseverance. Sometimes the effort you expend doesn’t create the outcome you expect, so you must keep trying.
What is a little known fact about yourself?
I sang with the chorus of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under the direction of world-famous conductors. I also owned a chain of tuxedo rental stores.
If you were President, what problem or concern would you address first?
Unemployment. I don’t have any silver bullet, but encouraging small business growth and improving their access to credit is important.
