Charles Stellar, a former leader of America's Health Insurance Plans, has been named interim president and CEO of the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange, or WEDI.
He replaces Devin Jopp, who stepped down last week as the head of the not-for-profit group that was created in 1991 to improve electronic health information exchange.
Stellar, who recently retired as an executive VP at AHIP, was “the key liaison between AHIP's 350 plan and 400 affiliate members, ensuring consistency in messaging and shaping AHIP's membership strategy,” according to a WEDI statement.
“We are honored that Charles has agreed to serve in this role and propel our organization forward during this transitional period,” Jean Narcisi, WEDI board chair, said in the news release. “In addition to the close working relationships he shares with many of the member organizations on our board, he brings unparalleled domain experience in successfully bringing healthcare associations to national prominence."
Reston, Va.,-based WEDI will continue its search for a permanent replacement for Jopp.
Stellar has previously served as president and CEO of the American Managed Care and Review Association, and in various executive positions with Healthmaster HMO/IPA; Charter Medical Services in Saudi Arabia; EyeCare Associates; the American Association of Foundations for Medical Care; and the American Association of the Professional Standards Review Association, according to the WEDI statement.
AHIP, itself, is in transition, having hired former CMS administrator Marilyn Tavenner to replace its longtime leader Karen Ignani, who left last spring. AHIP also lost two of its biggest members in recent months. UnitedHealth Group announced in June it would not renew its membership while Aetna this month signaled it was leaving the trade group as well.
