Centene announces new COO

Centene announces new COO | Insurance Business America

Insurance News

Centene announces new COO

Industry vet brings nearly two decades of experience to the role

Insurance News

By
Ryan Smith

Centene Corporation has announced the appointment of Susan Smith (pictured above) as its chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1.

Smith joined Centene in June. In her new role, she will be responsible for the company’s core business operations, population health, the enterprise transformation office, provider experience, and quality. She will report to Ken Fasola, president of Centene.

Smith has nearly two decades of industry experience, serving a 19-year tenure at Humana before joining Centene. She most recently served as senior vice president of clinical, quality and enterprise solutions president. Prior to that, she served as Humana’s senior vice president of clinical solutions and senior vice president of Medicare, among other leadership roles.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a masters of engineering in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville’s Speed Scientific School.

“Susan is a seasoned operator who brings extensive experience in the government-sponsored payer space,” said Sarah M. London, CEO of Centene. “Her operational expertise in quality and customer experience, proven track record and leadership during transformational times – coupled with her steadfast commitment to the members and communities we support – make her the right candidate for this role.”

Smith is the latest addition to Centene’s leadership roster. In May, the company announced the appointment of Shannon T. Susko as chief communications officer. This year has also seen the appointments of Anika Gardenhire as its chief customer experience officer and Tanya McNally as chief people officer

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