PITTSBURGH, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Health(SM) (Gateway) announced today that Patricia J. Darnley has been named President and CEO of Gateway.  Darnley, who most recently served as Senior Vice President of Network Development and Operations at Centene Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri, has over 20 years of health plan and managed care experience, much of which focused on the uninsured and underinsured markets and Medicaid and Medicare plans; the same markets served by Gateway Health. She succeeds Michael Blackwood who retired as President and CEO of Gateway in September 2013.

"I am excited to lead Gateway Health during this period of dynamic growth, change and expansion," said Darnley. "Gateway has always been a leader in providing the best managed care solutions that look at member health holistically while offering unique healthcare and preventive care options tailored to specific needs." 

Prior to her most recent role at Centene Corporation, Darnley was the President and Chief Executive Officer of University Health Plans, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene.  A native of Western Pennsylvania, Darnley also served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Health Plan, as well as holding account management and network development leadership roles at Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania, the predecessor to Highmark Inc. 

Darnley brings extensive expertise in financial management, operations, underwriting, administration, strategic development and all components critical to the management of a successful health plan to her new role as President and CEO of Gateway. She holds an M.B.A. from Duquesne University and a B.S. in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

"Gateway Health promises our members 'a better way' and it is my mission, as well as the mission of the entire Gateway team, to ensure that our members experience the best value in healthcare while maintaining competitive administrative and operating costs for the plan," said Darnley. "This is a new day at Gateway and we look forward to remaining a leader in the markets we currently serve as we explore and expand into new territories."

About Gateway Health(SM):
Gateway Health(SM) is a nationally ranked managed care organization that focuses on providing the best possible healthcare to a growing number of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Medicare members. Gateway Health serves the needs of at risk and vulnerable citizens – those facing chronic diseases, and those who are Medicare eligible and low-income. Gateway members have benefitted from services such as disease management, health and wellness programs and preventive care.  To learn more about Gateway Health(SM), visit us online at www.gatewayhealthplan.com.

SOURCE Gateway Health