Plan’s COO to Serve on Interim Basis
CAMARILLO, Calif., August 26, 2014 — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has named Ruth Watson as its interim chief executive officer (CEO). Ms. Watson – the Plan’s current chief operating officer (COO) – replaces Michael P. Engelhard who announced his resignation last week.
In a statement to Commissioners at the monthly meeting of the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) Ms. Watson said, “I want to reassure you and the community that Gold Coast Health Plan’s executive leadership team is committed to continue down the road that Mike Engelhard has paved for this Plan.” She added, “I look forward to working with the Commission to find a new CEO for Gold Coast Health Plan.”
Ms. Watson joined GCHP in June 2013 after having served for 6 years as CalOptima’s executive director of operations. VCMMCC chairman David Araujo, MD made the announcement at the conclusion of a closed door session of the monthly VCMMCC meeting. Dr. Araujo and Ms. Watson – along with VCMMCC Commissioners Peter Foy and vice chair Antonio Alatorre – will head-up an ad hoc committee to help identify a recruitment firm and begin the search for a new CEO.
Ms. Watson takes the helm of GCHP on Monday, September 22nd and resumes her duties as the Plan’s COO, once a permanent replacement is identified.
About Gold Coast Health Plan
Gold Coast Health Plan is an independent public entity created by County Ordinance and authorized through Federal Legislation; however, Gold Coast Health Plan is not a county agency. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved implementation of a County Organized Health System (COHS) model, transitioning from fee-for-service Medi-Cal to managed care, on June 2, 2009. The purpose of Gold Coast Health Plan is to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries, enhance the quality of healthcare, provide greater access, improve service and provide choice. The plan provides health benefits to more than 160,000 beneficiaries in Ventura County, California. To learn more about Gold Coast Health Plan, visit us at: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org