SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health services company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) has named health care entrepreneur Thomas P. Cooper, M.D., to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. The move adds even greater strength to a board that has consistently demonstrated vision in driving ASH to a leadership position in multiple markets. Dr. Cooper joins current ASH board members George DeVries, Jan DeVries, Woodrin Grossman, Christobel Selecky and Bud Volberding.
Dr. Cooper is a nationally recognized health care entrepreneur, having used his medical training and business experience to found and manage several companies which have become national leaders in their respective fields.
Companies that Dr. Cooper has founded and managed include a national emergency physician company (Spectrum Emergency Care: Acquired by Laidlaw, Inc.), the largest correctional facility health care company (Correctional Medical Services, now known as Corizon) and the largest provider of X-ray/EKG to nursing homes (Mobilex USA: Acquired by Integrated Health Services).
Dr. Cooper also was the founder and CEO, and now serves as Chairman of the Board, of VeriCare Management, Inc., which is the nation's largest provider of mental health services to patients in long-term care facilities. He also serves as lead director on the Boards of The Hanger Company and Kindred Healthcare, Inc, and serves on the Board of IPC, The Hospitalist Company. He served for five years as an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School teaching courses on entrepreneurship.
"Dr. Cooper has a very impressive range of entrepreneurial and managerial experience guiding young companies to become the top leaders in their markets," said ASH CEO and Chairman George DeVries. "His vision and his knowledge of operations, finance and strategic planning provide just the right combination of strengths as we plan for future growth and expansion at ASH. In addition, I have known Tom for many years. In my first job after college, I worked as a sales representative and manager in one of Tom's health care start-ups. I have seen first-hand Tom's leadership and skills, and I'm honored to have him join our Board."
Dr. Cooper received his M.D. from Indiana University and his bachelor's degree from DePauw University.
About American Specialty Health Incorporated
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national health services organization that provides total population health management services, specialty health care management programs, and fitness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has nearly 1,000 employees and serves nearly 31 million members. This year the company will celebrate its 25th year in business. For more information, visit ASHCompanies.com or call 1-800-848-3555. Follow us on Twitter @ASHCompanies!
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