TriWest Welcomes Retired Navy Admiral and Healthcare Executive to Advisory Board

PHOENIX, Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Retired Navy Rear Admiral William L. Putnam, and former Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming President and CEO Tim J. Crilly will continue serving the men, women and families of our nation's military community as members of TriWest Healthcare Alliance's Executive Advisory Board.

Putnam and Crilly join TriWest's Executive Advisory Board, which was established 15 years ago at the founding of the company and features senior retired military officers, retired non-commissioned officers and military family members. The board provides guidance to TriWest's leadership as the company delivers on the promise of the military healthcare program, TRICARE, to provide access to the highest quality of care and customer service to 2.9 million beneficiaries in 21 western states.

RADM William L. Putnam, USN (Ret.)

During a 34-year naval career, Putnam commanded a guided missile equipped destroyer, destroyer squadron and carrier battle group. Ashore, he served six Pentagon tours, including Deputy Comptroller of the Department of the Navy, and Director, Office of Program Appraisal in the office of the Secretary of the Navy.

"As a retired Navy Rear Admiral, Bill brings a background of extensive operational and financial management assignments that makes him a great addition to our group," said Dr. H. James T. Sears, Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board.

Upon retiring in 2000, Putnam joined the management team of USAA, where he served in several capacities before retiring in January 2011.

Tim J. Crilly

Crilly joins the Executive Advisory Board after recently retiring from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, where he worked since 1968. He held numerous leadership positions, including Vice President, Operations; External Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and President and Chief Executive Officer. He also served as former Chairman of TriWest's Operations Committee.

"Tim's four decades of work in the healthcare industry and his deep understanding of TriWest's overall mission are terrific assets for ensuring we're continuing to provide beneficiaries with the best in high-quality health care," Sears said.

Crilly also served in the Army National Guard from 1965 – 1970.

"I am very pleased to welcome both Bill and Tim to our advisory board," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "They join an accomplished group that holds incredible perspective and dedication to help TriWest as we seek to continue to raise the bar in our mission to serve those who serve our nation."

Executive Advisory Board Members

About TriWest

TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the healthcare needs of 2.9 million members of America's military family. A Phoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit www.triwest.com for more information.

SOURCE TriWest Healthcare Alliance