Associate VP, Network Strategy & Operations

Position Summary

This executive position is responsible for establishing enterprise-wide vision, strategic direction, and comprehensive oversight of all provider network operations for Banner Health's Insurance Division across multiple states and markets. This includes but is not limited to: Banner Health Networks (BHN, BNSA, BNC, BHN Aspire), Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial ACOs, and emerging value-based care products aligned to Banner's multi-state footprint.

Core Functions

• Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Vision: Establishes and drives the enterprise-wide strategic vision for network development, management, and optimization across all Banner Health markets and product lines. Leads the development and execution of comprehensive short and long-range strategic goals and objectives that support Banner Health's Insurance Division growth, market expansion, and competitive positioning.

• Enterprise Contracting & Financial Stewardship: Provides executive oversight and direct leadership for high-stakes negotiations with major health systems, large physician groups, specialty networks, and strategic partners across multiple states. Leads negotiation strategy for complex, multi-million dollar provider contracts, ensuring optimal financial terms, competitive positioning, and alignment with organizational objectives.

• Value-Based Care Transformation & Innovation: Drives enterprise-wide transformation toward value-based care models, leading the design and implementation of innovative payment arrangements, risk-sharing agreements, and performance-based contracting. Defines and executes comprehensive high-value network development strategies including advanced value-based purchasing models, integrated collaborative care frameworks, Centers of Excellence programs, and ACO development and expansion.

• Executive Stakeholder Engagement & Organizational Leadership: Serves as executive liaison engaging C-suite leaders, Board members, state and regional stakeholders, and external partners to foster high-level collaboration, strategic partnerships, and organizational alignment. Represents Banner Health in industry associations, regulatory forums, state healthcare initiatives, and strategic partnership discussions.

• Regulatory Compliance & Government Program Leadership: Provides executive oversight of provider and ancillary networks supporting Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona Long Term Care System, Behavioral Health programs, Medicare Advantage, and other government-sponsored programs across Banner Health's service areas. Ensures enterprise-wide compliance with all federal and state regulatory requirements related to network adequacy, access standards, and quality metrics.

• Talent Development & Organizational Capability: Builds and leads a high-performing executive team and organization capable of executing complex network strategies across multiple markets. Develops organizational capabilities in emerging areas such as data analytics, value-based contracting, and population health management. Fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence within the network management organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Management, Business, or related field.
• Must possess a strong knowledge and understanding of health plan operations as normally demonstrated through at least 10 years of progressive experience in a major health care organization or health plan setting.

Additional Related Education And/or Experience

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Health system and/or health plan experience highly desirable.