Steve Nelson, the former CEO of insurance giant UnitedHealthcare, will lead ChenMed as president.The family behind a privately owned primary-care chain that's long stood out as an example of a progressive way of providing healthcare to seniors is stepping back from running the company, after decades at the helm.
Dr. Chris Chen, who kicked off the announcement, told staff that he will remain as CEO in title but step back from running the company to provide support, guidance, and board governance.He said the family decided to step away because of"increasing pressure within the healthcare ecosystem and specific changes that have affected value-based care organizations like us." He mentioned upcoming changes to how the government pays for healthcare for seniors.
Other Chen family members are giving up their leadership roles, according to the audio, including: Chris Chen's brother Dr. Gordon Chen, who serves as chief medical officer; his father, Dr. James Chen, the founder of the company; his mother Mary Chen, the chief market development officer; Stephanie Chen, the chief legal officer; and Dr. Jessica Chen, the chief clinical officer.ChenMed, which has roots that date back to the 1970s, has at least 125 clinics in 15 states.