Randy Spicer Joins National Restaurant Association as VP of Health & Insurance Services

WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The National Restaurant Association issued the following news release:

As part of its ongoing efforts to help the restaurant and foodservice industry address health care challenges, including the 2010 health care law, the National Restaurant Association (http://www.restaurant.org/Home) announced today that insurance industry veteran Randy Spicer has joined the trade organization as Vice President of Health and Insurance Services. In this newly created role, he will lead the Association's Health Program and alliance with UnitedHealthcare, developing health care and health care reform related solutions for the restaurant industry while working with members and state restaurant association partners.

"Randy brings an extensive background in healthcare and financial management, product development, underwriting and service integration strategies within the insurance, Medicare and healthcare industries," said James Balda, SVP, Innovation & Business Development for the National Restaurant Association. "His expertise will further enhance the Association's robust health care policy and solutions work on behalf of our members and their employees."

In senior leadership positions, Spicer has created regional health plans, started managed dental, workers' comp and Part D programs and designed Medicare Secondary Payer recovery programs. Most recently he served as UnitedHealthcare's Vice President of National Alliances responsible for improving health plan results. Spicer also has served as President and CEO for CIGNA'sNorth Texas and Oklahoma region and President/CEO for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield's FPL and Joint Venture Operations.

Spicer has served on a number of boards, including The Hospital Center at Orange, Health Partners, LLC, and as a director of the Health Industry Council. He holds an MBA from the University of Arkansas and is a CLU and CPCU.

Spicer augments the Association's ongoing commitment to provide members with health care solutions and support navigating the 2010 health care law. In addition to the Association's health care policy team and existing online resource center (http://healthcare.restaurant.org/), the Association is making the health care law a top focus at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show taking place May 18-21 in Chicago. Association staff and experts will conduct education sessions and one-on-one health care consulting opportunities (restaurantorg.fbmta.com/a/0/34371724267/34360104612/default.aspx) for individual operators at the Health Care Knowledge Center.

The Association has developed a comprehensive "Health Care Law: What You Need to Know Now" primer (http://www.restaurant.org/Downloads/PDFs/advocacy/hc_primer).

TNS MGD-130511-4341465 StaffFurigay