St. Paul, Minn.—Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Patsy Riley will serve as the organization’s interim president and chief executive officer. Riley steps in for Jim Schowalter, who is leaving the Council at the end of the month after four years as its leader.
“We’re excited to bring on board a respected industry leader to help guide the Council through this important transition,” said Council Board Chair Mark Traynor, UCare’s president and chief executive officer. “Patsy has the relationships, expertise and experience to work with our board, staff, regulators and community partners to ensure our work continues as the search for a permanent leader moves forward.”
Traynor said the Council has already begun the search process. Riley will remain with the Council until a
new leader is in place.
Riley, who will assume the Council leadership position March 4, said, “I’ve long admired the work of the Council and the people who do that work. As a former Council board member, I am passionate about the organization and look forward to helping to guide the work.”
In 2018, Riley received the Pinnacle Award from the Women’s Health Leadership Trust in recognition of her lifetime achievements in health care in Minnesota. Her experiences include executive roles at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Stratis Health and Medica. Early in her career, Riley worked with the Minnesota Coalition on Health, Altcare, Ebenezer Society and the Minnesota Board on Aging. She was honored by the Business Journal as a Women in Business Award Winner in 2016. She has a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota, and lives in Wayzata, Minn.
The Council works with some of our nation’s best health insurers to help make sure Minnesotans get the care they need today and in the future. Council members serve communities, not Wall Street shareholders.
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