Priority Health executive named top woman leader in health care by national outlet

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — March 11, 2024) Joyce Chan Russell, senior vice president of government markets at Priority Health, has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top Women Leaders in Health Care for 2024.

This national recognition honors women executives who are helping develop policy, leading change and making advancements across all sectors of the health care industry.

In her role at Priority Health, Chan Russell oversees the individual, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid businesses, as well as population health and health equity. Her responsibilities include driving bold growth, partnering with industry and government stakeholders and delivering on quality and operational goals – all in alignment with Priority Health’s overarching effort to transform health care.

Chan Russell is a recognized and award-winning leader in the health care industry, from sharing her expertise at conferences across the country to testifying before Michigan lawmakers on how to help residents better navigate Medicaid Renewal. Priority Health’s Medicare and Medicaid plans have consistently received top ratings, and under her leadership, the company received Health Equity Accreditation in 2023 from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

“Since joining Priority Health in 2021, Joyce has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through her ability to balance the pace of change with our desire to innovate,” said Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health. “Joyce has led product innovation that has enabled us to continue to provide high-value, affordable plans to our members.”

Before joining Priority Health, Chan Russell spent 12 years at Healthfirst, a 1.7 million member, not-for-profit, provider-sponsored health plan in New York where, as vice president of Medicare, she grew the Medicare business by nearly 40%, outpacing market growth against national and regional health plans in a highly competitive environment.

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See how Priority Health is making an impact across Michigan in the 2023 Community Report.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.