Aveta Inc. Names Josh Valdez President of MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc.

20-year healthcare veteran to lead growing provider network organization

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Aveta Inc., one of the nation's largest providers of managed healthcare services, announced today the appointment of Josh Valdez, D.B.A., as president of MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc. (MSO).

Valdez will lead and oversee the company's 2010 initiatives to improve the quality of service offered to beneficiaries, while effectively managing healthcare costs and establishing the technological platform needed to achieve these goals.  In addition, Valdez will be instrumental in guiding MSO through implementation of initiatives that result from healthcare reform in D.C.

"We are pleased to bring Josh Valdez to our leadership team – not only because we are confident in his ability to grow MSO but also because he will serve as an excellent resource to the providers in our IPAs and the patients who rely on them," said Richard Shinto, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Aveta Inc.

MSO is Puerto Rico's leading administrative medical service organization that helps providers streamline operations so they achieve financial success, operational efficiency and offer quality patient care.  The organization works in close coordination with Aveta's two Medicare Advantage plans in Puerto Rico: MMM Healthcare, Inc. and PMC Medicare Choice, Inc.

With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, Valdez has been recognized as one of the 15 most influential Hispanics in the United States by The Latino Coalition (2004), and one of the ten most influential Latinos in the healthcare sector by Hispanic Business (2004).  His experience spans business development, strategic planning, organizational management, advanced technologies and clinical care systems.  

"I am eager to join the Aveta family as president of MSO," said Valdez.  "I believe that my solid experience in the industry will bring value to the company.  I look forward to working with the team in Puerto Rico and with the Aveta organization throughout the U.S."

Previously, Valdez was president and chief executive officer for Right Way Healthcare Consulting, based in Thousand Oaks, Calif.  Valdez was also senior vice president of Health Care Management for WellPoint West and served as regional director of the United States Department of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2003, under the George W. Bush administration.

Valdez holds a doctorate degree in Business Administration and Health Care Administration from the University of Southern California and a Master of Business Administration in Health Services Management from Golden Gate University.  Valdez is a commissioner in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for eliminating racial disparities in healthcare, a board member for the Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity and also the Inner City Games.  Valdez has held past appointments as a member of the White House Council on Aging, Chairman of the U.S. Latino Health Task Force, gubernatorial appointee of the California Health Policy and Data Commission, and Man of the Year for the Hollenbeck Youth Center in East Los Angeles, CA.  Valdez is married to Elizabeth and has three children, Gabriel, Noah and Jacob.

About MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc. and Aveta Inc.

MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc. (MSO) is Puerto Rico's leading administrative medical service organization, offering support to 27 medical groups and healthcare organizations throughout the Island.  A partner to Medicare Advantage plans MMM Healthcare, Inc. and PMC Medicare Choice, Inc., MSO helps providers streamline operations so that they achieve financial and organizational efficiency and, most importantly, provide high-quality patient care experiences.  To learn more, visit www.mso.pr.

MSO is part of the Aveta Inc. family of companies – one of the largest providers of managed healthcare services in the United States.  Redefining healthcare management to meet the challenges of today's complex healthcare environment, Aveta develops innovative models that coordinate care for more than 230,000 Medicare beneficiaries and more than 330,000 commercial members, Aveta builds provider networks and Medicare Advantage programs that are sustainable, cost-effective and utilize advanced technologies.  The company is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and currently has operating subsidiaries in California, Illinois, Arizona and Puerto Rico.  For more information, visit www.aveta.com.

About Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity

The Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity Institute is a pro-business Hispanic advocacy organization whose mission is to help Hispanics take part in the American Dream through programs of public education and research.  To learn more please visit www.HAPInstitute.net.

SOURCE Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity