Connect for Health Colorado® Board Announces Changes

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Dec. 2, 2014) Connect for Health Colorado® Board Chair Sharon O’Hara today announced changes in the Board of Directors for the health insurance Marketplace.

Founding board member and former chair Gretchen Hammer, who was instrumental in the formation of Connect for Health Colorado, announced that she is stepping down from the Board of Directors. Hammer is taking a position as director of the state’s Medicaid program with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. As executive director of the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, Hammer has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare and coverage for children and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Long active in state health reform efforts, she was named by the governor to the Marketplace Board in 2011 and served as chair through July 2013.

“We are deeply grateful to Gretchen Hammer’s dedication to improving the health of Coloradans and commitment to finding solutions for our healthcare challenges,” O’Hara said. “Gretchen has been a leader in shaping the state health insurance Marketplace and positioning us for success in achieving our mission of improving access, choice and affordability for Coloradans in need of health insurance. We know she will continue making a difference for Coloradans in her new post.”

O’Hara also announced other changes to the board Tuesday:

David A. Padrino, an international business consultant who this year took a position in Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration as deputy chief of staff, was appointed by the governor to an ex-officio, non-voting seat on the Connect for Health Colorado Board.

Before joining the state leadership team, Padrino worked as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group, serving clients in the public and non-profit sectors, as well as customers in financial services, technology, pharmaceutical and consumer industries.

On the board, Padrino replaces Kevin Patterson, who has served for 19 months. Patterson left the board in November when he took on the position of interim chief of staff to the governor.

“We’re happy to welcome David to our Board,” O’Hara said. “His experience in a wide range of industries will bring a strong strategic perspective to Connect for Health Colorado as we grow the Marketplace and increase coverage in our state for individuals, families and small businesses.”

She added: “We are grateful to Kevin for the insight, time and energy he devoted to Connect for Health Colorado. We wish him all the best.”

Board member Ellen Daehnick, who served as a representative of small business since July 2013, also is leaving the board.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011.  A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.   The next open enrollment period for individuals and families is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com