Ben Gerber named WVU Medicine's chief strategy officer

Ben Gerber, who has served as vice president for payer strategy and contracting for West Virginia University Health System and University Health Associates for the past four years, will be taking on the role of chief strategy officer (CSO) of the health system effective Jan. 1, 2021.

While at WVU Medicine, Gerber has negotiated favorable and innovative agreements with payers and employers, including a long-term agreement with Highmark, the enterprise's largest payer. He has also substantially expanded access to WVU Medicine for out-of-state insurance plan members and developed a broad portfolio of successful value-based payment programs.

As chief strategy officer, Gerber will work closely with WVU Medicine President and CEO Albert L. Wright Jr. in assuming new responsibilities for major strategic initiatives, strategic planning, and annual goal-setting for the system. The CSO will lead health system relations with external employers, including direct contracting, health plan sales/offerings, and other collaborations.

In addition, the role will develop and oversee the health system’s Integrated Financing and Delivery System strategy, such as third-party administrator (TPA) services, a health insurance arm, or joint venture(s) with managed care companies. The CSO will be integral in developing the system’s overall path toward payment risk.

He will also continue to oversee enterprise payer relations, contracting, and healthcare reform matters.

Prior to joining WVU Medicine, Gerber held various leadership roles at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, including vice president of population health, associate general counsel for managed care, and system corporate secretary. He holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BS in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.