AHIP names Mike Tuffin president and CEO

Mike Tuffin will take the role of AHIP president and CEO effective January 8.

Photo courtesy of AHIP

AHIP has appointed MIke Tuffin its next president and CEO. Tuffin will officially take the helm of the healthcare payer trade organization effective January 8.

He succeeds AHIP CEO Matt Eyles, who decided to step down this year. 

Julie Simon Miller, AHIP's general counsel, has served as interim CEO since September.

Tuffin returns to AHIP after having served as its executive vice president for public affairs from 2003-2012. 

AHIP said Tuffin will be responsible for leading its nationwide advocacy efforts on the industry's priority issues.

The organization represents more than 100 diverse companies providing healthcare coverage for millions of consumers and families. AHIP's members offer coverage for individuals and employees in the commercial market, as well as Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; provide dental and vision benefits; and offer long-term care and supplemental insurance.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

David Holmberg, chair of AHIP's board of directors, said the board had conducted a thorough search and chose Tuffin for his qualities as a "forward-looking leader" and an advocate with extensive healthcare experience.

"Mike has demonstrated an ability to successfully lead teams, partner with key stakeholders and advance policy outcomes that are critical to the health and security of the people our industry serves," said Holmberg.

Tuffin has served as senior vice president for external affairs for UnitedHealth Group since 2015, and previously served as managing director of APCO Worldwide's Washington, D.C., headquarters.

According to AHIP, he's played a role in advancing the industry's priorities in support of more affordable, accessible care for millions of Americans – including ensuring stability and choice for consumers served by commercial plans and public programs, addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and protecting consumers from surprise medical bills.

Miller said there "couldn't be a better person" to lead the group's members in the new year. Tuffin himself called the appointment an honor.

"Millions of American families and employers count on AHIP's members for their coverage and care and for support in navigating our complex healthcare system," Tuffin said. "I am honored to join Julie and the high-performing AHIP team in advancing this critical work."

THE LARGER TREND

Eyles had led AHIP since 2018, after replacing CEO Marilyn Tavenner, the former acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Eyles had served at AHIP for more than eight years. In 2015, he led AHIP's policy work as executive vice president and in 2017, was promoted to chief operating officer.

That's not the only recent leadership change at AHIP. In July the group named Dr. LaShawn McIver as its new chief health equity officer, tasking her with leading AHIP's health equity initiatives, setting and driving strategies to improve health equity for underrepresented and medically underserved communities.

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com