ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced several enhancements to its senior staff, including the appointment of Eric R. Slusser to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Slusser's appointment is effective July 9, 2007 and he will report directly to Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, these current staff members will form the core of senior executives reporting to Mr. Neidorff:

    --  Carol E. Goldman, Executive Vice President and Chief
        Administrative Officer.

    --  Jesse N. Hunter, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development.

    --  William N. Scheffel, Executive Vice President, Specialty
        Business Unit.

    --  Keith H. Williamson, Senior Vice President, Corporate
        Secretary and General Counsel.

Mr. Neidorff stated, "We remain focused on building our organization to capture and prepare for growth opportunities. Eric's appointment further strengthens our senior management team as he is a seasoned executive with a high level of experience in senior-level finance functions and accounting skills. His appointment demonstrates the premium Centene places on such a critical area of financial responsibility, and he has the background necessary to meet the demands of this position. We anticipate future steps to strengthen our already outstanding management team as we continue to grow."

Mr. Slusser was formerly the Executive Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller of Cardinal Health, Inc., the leading provider of products and services supporting the healthcare industry. Prior to that, he was the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller at MCI, Inc., where he was responsible for managing all accounting and financial reporting activities, including implementation of compliance programs following MCI's Chapter 11 filing in July 2002. Mr. Slusser has earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Washburn University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Slusser will count among his direct reports: J. Per Brodin, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, Marie J. Glancy, Senior Vice President, Operational Services and Regulatory Affairs, Edmund E. Kroll, Senior Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations, and James E. Reh, Vice President, Facilities Management.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Company operates health plans in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, health management, long-term care, managed vision, nurse triage, pharmacy benefits management and treatment compliance. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

Source: Centene Corporation