Regence Announces New Vice President of Network Management

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon is pleased to announce John Prassas as the new vice president for network management in Oregon. Prassas will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Oregon Network Management staff, and serve on the Oregon executive leadership team led by plan president Don Antonucci.

"John's expertise and stellar experience will allow Regence to continue expanding our network as we work to provide our members with more accountable and affordable sources of care," said Patti Laughren, vice president of accountable health services for Regence.

Prassas has more than 20 years of experience in provider development and strategic network contracting, including positions with PacifiCare Health Systems, Humana and SelectCare Health Plans. He most recently served as vice president at CIGNA HealthCare in Phoenix where he led the company's Arizona and Nevada markets. During his tenure at CIGNA, Prassas served on the senior leadership team with participation in business strategy and execution for 490,000 members and the CIGNA Medical Group, a 220-physician multi-specialty medical group. He holds a MBA from Oregon State University and Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona.

Prassas replaces Alison Goldwater, who is advancing to regional director of contracting and network strategy.

About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a leading health plan in Oregon, with nearly 750,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and is affiliated with Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities, and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceOregon.

SOURCE Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon