Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> June 3, 2002

Edward Wristen – First Health Group Corporation (fhcc)

EDWARD L. WRISTEN was appointed Chief Executive Officer of First Health Group Corp. in 2002. In 2001, he led the acquisition of CCN Managed Care, Inc. As a result of the CCN acquisition, First Health is able to extend its reach as the nation's largest directly contracted PPO. Mr. Wristen serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Affordable Quality Healthcare. He is active in the development of public policy affecting health care. Mr. Wristen joined the company in 1990 and has held positions responsible for strategic planning, provider networks, account management, technology and operations. Under his leadership, the company acquired both claims administration and pharmacy benefit management capabilities in 1997. He was elected Chief Operating Officer in 1998 and President in 2000. Mr. Wristen entered the healthcare field in 1976 as a consultant. He held executive positions in the managed care industry and in hospitals and hospital systems. Mr. Wristen holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, and a Master's in Business Administration from Ohio State University. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief historical sketch of the company and a

picture of what you're doing at the present time?

Mr. Wristen: First Health is a national managed care company.