Gary Shearer, President and CEO, PHP, has completed a year-long Fellowship with the AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) Executive Leadership Program (ELP) and has been recognized with a Certified Healthcare Insurance Executive (CHIE) designation. The Certificate of Professional Achievement was awarded through Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management – a program designed and available to seasoned health insurance professionals who are passionate about leading the future of healthcare.
AHIP is the national trade association representing the health insurance community. Headquartered in Washington D.C., with affiliate organizations across the country, AHIP advocates for public policies that expand access to affordable healthcare coverage to all Americans through a competitive and fair marketplace. AHIP is a resource for career-enhancing educational courses, continuing education and credentials.
The AHIP Fellowship Program offers those interested in a deep dive into the future of healthcare a 12-month program including intensive academic sessions, guided mentoring, case study development, and practical leadership assessments and action plans.
Fellows of the AHIP Executive Leadership Program return to their organization with industry knowledge and practical solutions through shared knowledge and experience. They bring insight and a nationwide network of peers available for problem-solving, learning, and sharing ideas.
Shearer’s interest in obtaining the AHIP Fellowship and the certification as a healthcare insurance executive was threefold:
- Industry education, expertise in best practices, and successful strategies from other health insurance plans.
- Network development and connections with others in the employee benefits arena.
- Mentorship with a role model that might offer innovative ideas and actionable takeaways that would help address PHP’s priorities and challenges.
Gary’s mentorship opportunity was the most meaningful aspect of the fellowship. He was paired with a physician, Dr. Michael Cropp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Health, Buffalo, New York. Independent Health is recognized as an innovative health plan with nearly 400,000 members serving commercial, individual and Medicare members in Western New York. Dr. Cropp’s holistic approach to doing business focuses on inclusiveness and diversity, while striving to support the community as well as underserved populations. Independent Health’s approach aligns closely with PHP and the PHP Foundation with a goal to better serve our region and those agencies that help promote a healthier community for all.
As a result of Gary’s AHIP experience and Fellowship relationships, PHP is addressing strategic planning opportunities and adjusting the company’s mindset on the introduction of new products and services. The experience has broadened PHP’s expertise in best practices and successful strategies so we can better serve our clients and customer base.
