Former Cleveland Clinic exec to join Allegheny Health Network

Cynthia Hundorfean, who has served as chief administrative officer for clinical services at the Cleveland Clinic since 2005, will take over next month as CEO of Allegheny Health Network, Highmark Health's provider network.

She succeeds John Paul, who will become special adviser to Highmark Health President and CEO David Holmberg.

"Cynthia brings years of experience and deep understanding of all aspects of health care delivery," Holmberg said in a news release. "This transition is a natural part of our evolution as a health care leader. I'm confident that under Cynthia's stewardship we will further our efforts to transform health care delivery."

The Pittsburgh-based insurer and health system is looking to establish financial traction.

As chief administrative officer, Hundorfean oversaw 25 clinical institutes at over 190 sites. She also oversaw a $5.5 billion net revenue budget from clinical operations, according to the release.

Hundorfean's 30-year career spans hospital management, physician integration strategies, implementation of strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions.

Paul and Holmberg plotted the transition as part of AHN's continued growth as a healthcare provider, the release said.

Paul was a consultant for Highmark in 2011 and helped the company develop its clinical network with West Penn Allegheny Health System, Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Clairton, Pa., St. Vincent Health System in Erie, Pa., and Premier Medical Associates in Monroeville, Pa.

Paul became president and CEO of AHN in April 2013. He shepherded the financial turnaround of West Penn Allegheny Health System and expanded the network's reach, according to the news release.

But the provider network has still reported financial troubles. It reported a $16 million operating loss in the first six months of 2015 and a $12 million operating loss over the same period in 2014.

Holmberg said at the time that the health system's turnaround would take longer than expected and that AHN would invest more to expand services in lower-cost community settings and specialties such as cardiology and obstetrics and gynecology.