Late August brought a series of changes to URAC’s organizational structure and its people. As you know, our Board of Directors strategy retreat in July resulted in affirmation of our three-year strategic plan and crystalized the thinking of our executive team. We made a commitment to put additional resources into building our capabilities and stimulating innovation to achieve breakthrough top line growth for 2018 and beyond.

From 2013 through 2017, URAC developed two new programs: Telehealth and Genetics and Precision Medicine. Our new strategic plan calls for the development of a new program each year. In addition, over the next three years, we have committed to the revision/redevelopment of two of our current programs each year. That doubles the amount of effort needed to achieve our goals.

To that end, effective September 1st, Deborah Smith will be joining our business development effort as a product development principal and Donna Merrick along with Haley Santos will be rounding out the business development team. Deborah’s considerable skills in program development will be deployed on new programs and Donna’s wealth of experience will drive program redesign. Robin Adams has been promoted to Vice President of Strategic and Product Development and she will oversee the activities of the team, as well as the next phase of development of Redefine Health, our new consulting business.

Understanding the potential impact government has on the enhancement of our business, we will strengthen our government relations function by promoting Aaron Turner-Phifer to the role of Vice President, Government Relations. Aaron will develop the resource plan for achieving our goals for business development in the government sector, an area of significant future opportunity.

Please join me in welcoming each of our colleagues to their new roles. We will keep you apprised as we advance our growth plans over the coming months. More to come!