ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced key management appointments in support of its growing business.

Steven A. White has joined the company as President and CEO of Centene's Ohio subsidiary, Buckeye Community Health Plan (Buckeye), effective July 7, 2008. Mr. White will report to Christopher Bowers, Senior Vice President, Health Plan Business Unit for Centene, and will be based in the Buckeye corporate office in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. White brings more than 20 years of experience in the health insurance and managed care industry to his new position. In his previous role as President of Southeast Region for Great-West Healthcare, he oversaw the operations of HMO and PPO companies in seven states comprising 300,000 members. White has also held executive positions at CIGNA HEALTHCARE and HEALTHSOURCE, where he was responsible for profit/loss and strategic direction for the managed care companies. Mr. White received an honorary B.S. in Accounting from Southern College in Tennessee and an M.B.A. in Finance from Indiana University.

Mark Eggert, Centene's Executive Vice President, Health Plan Business Unit, said, "The addition of this strong leader exemplifies the strength and depth of Centene's senior management. Steve has a clear understanding of the managed care industry and will strive to help Buckeye provide better health outcomes at lower costs."

Jeffrey A. Schwaneke, CPA, has been named Corporate Controller for Centene Corporation. Effective July 7, 2008, Mr. Schwaneke will oversee the Company's business activity and financial position in areas of income, expenses and earnings for operations. He will report directly to Eric R. Slusser, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

"Mr. Schwaneke has a unique blend of technical accounting expertise, communication skills and leadership," said Mr. Slusser. "He brings to Centene both a demonstrated financial leadership and a wealth of experience that will enable us to achieve the next level in our growth and development."

Previously, Mr. Schwaneke worked as the Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at Novelis Inc. In that role, he managed global financial and technical accounting activities across multiple divisions. Prior to his position at Novelis, he worked as Controller for the SPX Corporation and also Marley Cooling Technologies. Mr. Schwaneke received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has also earned his C.P.A.

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), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates health plans in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and 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