CAHP Statement on Christopher Ohman's Departure from California Association of Health Plans
December 15, 2008
Contact: Nicole Kasabian Evans
President & CEO Christopher Ohman to Leave California Association of Health Plans
CAHP Vice President Charles Bacchi Named Interim President & CEO
California Association of Health Plans' Board Chair Curtis Terry, President, Aetna Health of California, announced the departure of CAHP President and CEO Christopher Ohman today and the selection of Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Charles Bacchi, as interim President and CEO for the organization.
Ohman will be leaving CAHP on Jan. 16, 2009, to join Kaiser Permanente as a Senior Vice President for Health Plan Operations for all Kaiser health plans outside of California.
Bacchi, who has served as CAHP's Vice President of Legislative Affairs for over three years, will replace Ohman as interim President and CEO. Bacchi has effectively advocated for health plans before both the legislature and, at times, the Department of Managed Health Care. Bacchi has 14 years of legislative experience and nearly six years of experience working with Sacramento-based trade associations including the California Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the lead negotiators on workers' compensation reform in 2005 on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce.
"We are fortunate to have someone as knowledgeable and skilled as Charles to step in to continue the advancements Chris has made in his three years of leadership at CAHP," said Terry. "Charles has extensive experience in the industry, in-depth knowledge of health care policy and a deep commitment to CAHP's members."
A national search will be conducted to find a permanent replacement for Ohman.
"I am honored and pleased to have this opportunity to lead CAHP through this transition," said Bacchi. "CAHP is a stronger organization through Chris' leadership, and I look forward to building upon the progress he made." Terry said the health plan industry developed a more unified voice during Ohman's tenure as President and CEO. "Under Chris' leadership, California health plans have established a significant presence as advocates for improving health care affordability and providing coverage for all kids - both of which provide a framework for ensuring Californians have access to high-quality, affordable health insurance," said Terry. "It is with regret we accept Chris' resignation and on behalf of all health plans in our association I wish to thank him for the leadership, commitment and dedication he exhibited over the past three years."
Ohman said his new position will give him the opportunity to return to health plan operations, a field in which he had worked for 20 years prior to joining CAHP.
"CAHP gave me a unique opportunity to build upon my public policy background and play a role in shaping the future of how health plans provide an essential service to Californians," said Ohman. "My return to health plan operations is a natural progression following this extraordinary chance to step outside of the operational realm for the past few years."
CAHP is a statewide trade association representing 39 full-service health plans. Through legislative advocacy, education and collaboration with other member organizations, CAHP works to sustain a strong environment in which our member plans can provide access to products that offer choice and flexibility to the more than 24 million members they serve. For more information, please visit www.calhealthplans.org or call (916) 552-2910.
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For media inquiries, please contact Nicole Kasabian Evans, our Vice President of Communications, via e-mail (nevans@calhealthplans.org) or at 916.552.2914.
