Minnesota Council of Health Plans names Jim Schowalter as president and CEO to replace retiring Julie Brunner

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Minnesota Council of Health Plans (MCHP) announced today that it has appointed Jim Schowalter as the organization's president and chief executive officer. Schowalter, who is currently the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget, replaces Julie Brunner who announced her retirement earlier this year.

"Jim is a thoughtful, respected leader with a proven record of driving results and building coalitions," said Mary Brainerd, MCHP board chair and president and CEO of HealthPartners. "His leadership, coupled with his extensive knowledge of public policy and state finance, will help shape the future of Minnesota's changing health care system. We are excited to have Jim continue the work begun by Julie and help lead MCHP at this important time in health care."

Schowalter, who will assume the MCHP leadership position in January, said, "This is an exciting time in health care and I am honored to be asked to use my expertise to help shape Minnesota's health care future.  I look forward to continuing the MCHP tradition of working collaboratively to solve complex problems."

Schowalter earned his Master's degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor's degree from Macalester College. He has been with the Minnesota Department of Finance since 1994 and has served as commissioner since 2011.      

The Minnesota Council of Health Plans is the trade association for the state's seven nonprofit health plan companies. The Council promotes the delivery of high quality, affordable health care. 

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SOURCE Minnesota Council of Health Plans