Gateway Health, a leading managed care organization focused on the total health of its members, today announced Ja'Ron Bridges has joined the organization as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In his new role, Ja'Ron will lead the company's Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Actuarial, Procurement and Facilities departments.

"Ja'Ron will be instrumental in achieving our financial goals, as well as fostering the professional growth and development of our dedicated Finance team," said Cain Hayes, President & CEO of Gateway Health. "His vast experience in managing high-performing teams and driving companies toward strong operating results will be a true asset to our organization as we continue to strengthen Gateway Health's financial performance."

Ja'Ron is joining Gateway Health from Highmark Health, where he most recently served as Vice President of Financial Strategy, Planning and Analysis. At Highmark Health, he was responsible for leading and developing highly advanced economic modeling across the organization to help guide major strategic programs.

Among his many milestones and accomplishments, he supervised a redesign and optimization of Highmark Health's enterprise-wide financial planning and reporting processes. With these enhancements, the team was able to better support key operations-related decisions and increase his functional area's alignment with the overall company strategy.

As part of his commitment to growing a "People First" culture, Ja'Ron also led the development of an associate engagement strategy for all 2,000+ Finance team members at Highmark Health. These efforts included the launch of a talent engagement council to specifically address opportunities and create solutions designed around the needs of the Finance team.

Prior to his time at Highmark Health, Ja'Ron held various financial leadership positions at industry-leading organizations, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Chrysler.

"Gateway Health has a well-respected reputation as being a community-focused organization that goes beyond caring for not just the physical health of its members, but their overall health. This incredible sense of service and dedication to addressing the social determinants of health resonated with me and attracted me to the company," said Ja'Ron. "I look forward to supporting Gateway Health's mission to care for the whole person while also working with the leadership team to make the organization an employer of choice in the region."

About Gateway Health

At Gateway Health, we believe in caring for the whole person in all communities where the need is greatest. We see a future in which everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their best health. Through our leading Medicaid and Medicare programs, Gateway Health is coordinating healthcare that goes beyond doctors and medicine that helps members achieve not just physical health, but also delivers whole person care. Our associates are helping to drive this new kind of healthcare in collaboration with a network of 29,000 primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other ancillary providers. Gateway Health is also committed to supporting our neighbors through our many community outreach and engagement programs.