Contact:
Rich Cimino
970-531-8812
rich@peakhealthalliance.org
Healthcare Advocate Richard D. Cimino Named Executive Director of Peak Health Alliance
April 1, 2024 – Peak Health Alliance, a leading advocate for affordable healthcare solutions in rural Colorado, today announced the appointment of Richard “Rich” D. Cimino, MBA, as its new executive director. Cimino brings over 30 years of diverse experience, including military service, political leadership, and extensive healthcare advocacy and policy involvement.
“I’m excited to take this position because someone must advocate for the healthcare customer,” Cimino said. “My goal is to fight for the customers, the clients, and the people who deserve to get quality healthcare at affordable prices that they can understand. I will work with providers and carriers to reduce government burden and system complexity. I will primarily be the advocate for the healthcare customer and, with our partners, work to deliver affordable quality healthcare.”
Rich, a resident of Grand County, is currently an elected member of the Grand County Commission and has been an integral part of the Peak Health Alliance Board of Directors for four years. His nomination by the governor and confirmation by the Senate to serve on the Colorado Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise further solidified his healthcare policy and advocacy expertise.
Anne Ladd, who is stepping down as CEO of Peak Health Alliance, expressed confidence in Rich’s abilities, stating, “It was important to me to ensure Peak found a quality insurance partner and was stable for the future before I retired. I am excited about where Peak stands now and believe this is a good time to bring in fresh, visionary leadership. I firmly believe Rich is the right person for the job now.”
Ladd added: “With his extensive background in county governance, legislative expertise, and dedication to community welfare, Rich is poised to lead Peak Health Alliance to new heights. His proven ability to build relationships, coupled with his passion for improving healthcare accessibility and affordability, aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission.”
Peak Health Alliance partners with Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health Medical Plan to provide health insurance in nine Colorado counties: Archuleta, Park, Dolores, Grand, Lake, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, and Summit. The Peak Health Alliance network includes:
- 9 Hospitals/Facilities
- 272 Individual providers (not including CommonSpirit)
- 3,700 individual providers in the CommonSpirit group
- All Denver Health facilities, clinics, and clinicians
- All CommonSpirit hospitals and facilities
“I am also very pleased about the relationships we have developed with a broad network of local doctors and other clinicians. Those in our network leaned in to help their neighbors. They gave a little so their community members could access their services. They are to be commended,” Ladd added.
Cimino’s leadership roles in various boards and organizations highlight his commitment to public service and community development. His educational qualifications, including pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy from George Mason University, underscore his dedication to advancing healthcare solutions through informed policy decisions.
As executive director of Peak Health Alliance, Rich aims to champion the interests of healthcare consumers and foster transparent and affordable healthcare options for all Coloradans.
Board Chairman Mark Spiers states, “Rich has been an active board member and incredible advocate for Peak Health. His skills, coupled with strong community and government relationships, will be key in leading Peak in its goal of expanding affordable health insurance.”
About Peak Health Alliance:
Peak Health Alliance is a non-profit, community-based health insurance purchasing cooperative working to lower healthcare costs and improve access to quality care for individuals, families, and businesses in Colorado. Through collective bargaining and innovative strategies, Peak Health Alliance empowers communities to take control of their healthcare choices and costs.
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