WellCare Taps Alec Cunningham as CEO

December 24, 2009 Thursday

LENGTH: 375 words

HEADLINE: WellCare Taps Alec Cunningham as CEO

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. has announced that Alec R. Cunningham, president of WellCare's Florida and Hawaii division, has been elected the Company's chief executive officer, effective December 28.

In a release, the Company noted that Cunningham will succeed current president and chief executive officer Heath Schiesser, who, as previously announced, will leave the Company at the end of this year.

"The Board of Directors is delighted to have Alec serve as our chief executive officer," said Charles G. Berg, WellCare's executive chairman. "Alec is a proven leader who has earned the respect and confidence of his colleagues and our Board of Directors, as well as our provider partners, government clients, and regulators."

"WellCare has made significant progress over the past two years," Cunningham said. "Thanks to the dedication and capability of our leadership team and associates, we are well positioned to help our government clients and providers deliver quality, affordable health care to our members."

"The Board's decision reflects our confidence in WellCare's deep and experienced senior management team," concluded Berg. "We are fortunate to have so many talented executives and associates who are focused on our future success."

Cunningham brings substantial government managed care experience to his new position. He joined WellCare's executive team in 2005 as vice president of business development. In that role, he led teams to secure and implement significant new Medicaid contracts in Georgia, Ohio, and Hawaii. More recently, Cunningham has been president of WellCare's largest operating division, serving Medicare and Medicaid members in Florida and Hawaii. Throughout his time at WellCare, Cunningham also has played a leadership role in the Company's government affairs activities.

Prior to joining WellCare, Cunningham was vice president of business development and compliance at WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), where he was responsible for developing and managing health care products for state-sponsored programs.

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services exclusively for government-sponsored health care programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare.

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LOAD-DATE: December 23, 2009

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