News Releases

PHOENIX, Arizona -- Health Services Advisory Group, Inc. (HSAG), has named Richard G. Potter, CPA, Vice President, State Services. In his new role, Potter will manage External Quality Review (EQR) activities for ten states including: Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

"Rick is a proven leader who knows how to drive innovation and change in the State Medicaid environment," said Herb Rigberg, HSAG CEO. "He is a very important addition to our expanding executive team. His management perspective and wealth of experience ensure we have the right focus to continue leadership in the EQRO arena."

Prior to joining HSAG, Potter was a Principal with William M. Mercer, Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona. At Mercer he was responsible for service delivery in five states, where he set risk-adjusted rates, conducted operational and financial health plan reviews, and created quality assurance programs. Potter's areas of expertise include the design, development, and implementation of managed care delivery systems.

Before Mercer, Potter served eight years with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). As AHCCCS Deputy Director from 1996 to 1998, he directed day-to-day operations of the State Medicaid agency with an operating budget in excess of $2 billion and over 1,100 employees.

With AHCCCS, Potter also served as Financial Manager and was responsible for oversight of $1.5 billion in contracts with HMOs. As Assistant Director, he led a 30-person team with oversight responsibility of acute care health plans, long-term care program contractors and Regional Behavioral Health Authorities.

While Assistant Director, Potter was awarded the 1995 Administrator of the Year award by the Arizona Administrators Association for his re-design of the Medicaid HMO competitive bid process.

"I'm enthused and energized to be joining HSAG at this pivotal time," said Potter. "As a former client, I know HSAG already has an experienced EQR team. My goal is to build on this experience, and take our capabilities and service level to the next level for existing and future clients." For more information, contact Bill Staples, Executive Director, Communications, at 602 665 6168 or bstaples@hsag.com.

About Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG)
For 25 years HSAG has provided innovative leadership on health care quality improvement projects for Federal, state and private sector clients. Founded by a group of medical professionals in 1979, HSAG is one of most experienced quality improvement organizations in the nation. HSAG is recognized as an agent of change in the health care industry because of the company's successful collaboration with providers across the continuum of care.