ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today the following management changes that are consistent with the Company's organizational development program and its willingness to help employees to the extent possible achieve their personal objectives:
Eric R. Slusser is being appointed Executive Vice President of International Development. This position has the potential to be based in New York City and is consistent with Mr. Slusser's wishes at this time to move to a different geographical setting. Mr. Slusser's experience allows Centene to evaluate the strategic and financial benefits of different operations outside the United States. Mr. Slusser joined Centene in July 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from Cardinal Health. He has an extensive background as a senior financial executive with over 25 years of experience.
William N. Scheffel is being appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Scheffel was most recently Executive Vice President and leader of Centene's Specialty Business Unit. Mr. Scheffel joined the Company as Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller in December 2003 and has headed the Specialty Business Unit since May 2005. Prior to joining Centene, he spent over 28 years at financial and accounting firms Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen, having been a Partner at both.
Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's Chairman, President and CEO commented, "Bill Scheffel's extensive financial, audit, and accounting background and the leadership skills he has demonstrated at Centene make him eminently qualified for this position. He will help us successfully manage our next level of financial growth. We thank Eric for his almost two years of financial stewardship and expect that he will be equally successful in his new role at Centene, allowing our Company to explore possible growth opportunities in government-sponsored healthcare abroad."
These moves are effective immediately and Mr. Slusser and Mr. Scheffel will work together to ensure a smooth transition. The search for Mr. Scheffel's replacement to lead the Specialty Business Unit will begin immediately. There is no change to the financial guidance Centene provided in its April 28, 2009 first quarter earnings press release.
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 Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care, Long-Term Care and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a wide range of health insurance solutions to individuals and the rising number of uninsured Americans. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, pharmacy benefits management and medication adherence. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.
Source: Centene Corporation