PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 25, 2022) — Vālenz^® announced today that Suzann Chesek, BSN, RN, MBA, CCM, joined the team as Vice President of Care on February 21.

Chesek, who has more than 20 years’ experience with managed care and healthcare organizations, will lead care management operations for Valenz following the retirement of Janet Koch. Over the next three months, Chesek and Koch will work closely to assure a seamless transition before Koch’s retirement begins on June 1.

Most recently, Chesek was Director of Clinical Operations, Healthcare Management for Trustmark Health Benefits. She also served as Clinical Operations Manager with Holy Spirit Health System and as Hospital Administrator and Clinical Manager Employee Health & Safety with Wellspan Health.

Chesek’s background in clinical operations for managed care is fortified by her strong foundation as an ICU nurse, including roles such as ICU Bedside & Charge Nurse, House Supervisor & ICU Flex Nurse, and PRN ICU RN. With a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Eastern Mennonite University and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University, Suzann is working toward a second master’s degree in Management & Leadership from WGU.

“By leveraging a rich blend of leadership skills and technical expertise throughout her impressive career, Suzann has established herself as a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment,” said Rob Gelb, Chief Executive Officer of Valenz. “She welcomes a challenge and is highly recognized for her superior planning, decision-making and change management capabilities.”

Chesek pointed to her experience in managed care organizations as well as her studies in healthcare management and leadership as great preparation for her new role with Valenz.

“The teamwork, collaboration and leadership model at Valenz clearly align with my vision for the continuous growth and innovation of care management operations,” Chesek said. “As a strong believer in asking “why” to discover what is best for patients, clients and the company, I look forward to further enhancing our culture of partnership and accelerating our ability to deliver smarter, better, faster healthcare for the people we serve.”

Learn more about the Valenz leadership team.

About Valenz

Vālenz^® simplifies the complexities of self-insurance for employers through a steadfast commitment to data transparency and decision enablement. To balance the relationship between healthcare quality, advocacy and cost, the Valenz approach aligns the patient, payer and provider. We deliver this synergy through a strong foundation with deep roots in clinical and member advocacy, alongside decades-long expertise in claim reimbursement and payment validity, integrity and accuracy. By establishing “true transparency” and offering data-driven solutions that improve cost, quality and outcomes for you and your members, Valenz engages early and often for smarter, better, faster healthcare. More information is available at valenzhealth.com. Valenz is backed by Great Point Partners. 

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2022) — After more than 10 years in care management leadership roles with Vālenz^®, Janet Koch, RN, BSN, CCM, has announced her retirement beginning June 1.

Janet became Vice President of Care in 2017 after joining Valenz in 2011. Her many accomplishments include transforming the business through clinical platform migrations, leading multiple URAC accreditation certifications for the three core clinical businesses, designing and deploying quality incentive programs for team members, and building the company brand through consistent quality and outcomes for Valenz customers and their members.

“Janet has made such a tremendous impact on Valenz, the Care team and our customers,” said Rob Gelb, Chief Executive Officer of Valenz. “She has been the bedrock of our Care business for 10 years and left her mark on every aspect of our care management operations and team.”

“Although her announcement is bittersweet, we are thrilled for her and her family to embark on the next chapter of her life journey, and we wish her the greatest happiness in the future,” added Amy Gasbarro, Chief Operating Officer of Valenz.

Before joining Valenz, Janet’s career in nursing spanned over 25 years after she served as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Navy for 17 years.

“I have absolutely loved every single day of working side by side with such a talented Care team and the entire extended Valenz family,” Janet said. “I have especially valued my time working with our customers and their members. I’m very grateful to our leadership and my team for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I’ve had to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Janet will continue to work closely with the Valenz team to support a smooth transition. In addition, she has been highly involved in the hiring process for her successor, who soon will be announced.

About Valenz

Vālenz^® simplifies the complexities of self-insurance for employers through a steadfast commitment to data transparency and decision enablement. To balance the relationship between healthcare quality, advocacy and cost, the Valenz approach aligns the patient, payer and provider. We deliver this synergy through a strong foundation with deep roots in clinical and member advocacy, alongside decades-long expertise in claim reimbursement and payment validity, integrity and accuracy. By establishing ‘true transparency’ and offering data-driven solutions that improve cost, quality and outcomes for you and your members, Valenz engages early and often for smarter, better, faster healthcare. Valenz is backed by Great Point Partners. More information is available at valenzhealth.com.