New President at Tufts Health Freedom Plan

Tufts Health Freedom Plan, has named Geraldine "Gerri" Vaughan as president. According to a statement, Vaughan's extensive health care experience includes physician collaboration, governance, market strategy, insurer/provider contract negotiations, risk modeling and managed care operations.

"Gerri's background gives her a fundamental understanding of how to build effective, collaborative relationships," says Michael Rose, CEO of; Southern New Hampshire Health  and a member of the Tufts Health Freedom Plan's Board of Directors. "She is a dynamic leader known for bringing both vision and innovation to the organizations in which she has served. I know I speak on behalf of the entire board when I say Gerri will contribute greatly to Tufts Health Freedom Plan's continued success in the market."

Most recently Vaughan was at Rush Health, a health care system in  Chicago , serving as the chief operating officer. Prior to Rush Health, she worked at Circle Health in  Lowell,Mass. , in roles ranging from senior vice president of network integration to executive director of the physician's organization. Her prior experience also includes provider contracting and performance management roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of  Massachusetts  and at Tufts Health Plan.

President and CEO of  Catholic Medical Center ,  Joseph Pepe , M.D., says "Integrating what physicians, hospitals and health plans do best is at the heart of Tufts Health Freedom Plan. Our combined strengths result in developing clinical care management programs that keep our patients and members healthy. I know Gerri's experience in creating meaningful collaborations will enhance our vision for what Tufts Health Freedom Plan can do for its members."

"Tufts Health Freedom Plan is a unique collaboration that aligns the core competencies of strong provider systems and an innovative health plan - all committed to quality and excellence - to deliver value to the market. I am very excited to lead these efforts to ensure we continue to look for meaningful ways to improve the affordability of health care for New Hampshire's employers, their employees and their families," says Vaughan.

Vaughan is a past fellow of the Massachusetts Health Leadership College, a member of the Physician/Hospital Integration Collaborative of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and has completed the American Health Insurance Plans' executive leadership program. She received her M.B.A. from  Southern New Hampshire University and her B.S. from the  University of New Hampshire.