Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> February 2, 2002
JEFFREY L. MCWATERS is Chairman and CEO of AMERIGROUP Corporation. In
1994, Mr. McWaters founded AMERIGROUP to respond to the growing need for
private sector partners in states managing healthcare programs for
lower-income families and people with disabilities. Since its inception,
AMERIGROUP has been a proven leader in meeting the states' objectives of
providing accountability and reducing medical costs while simultaneously
improving health outcomes to more people through preventive and
coordinated care and early interventions. With more than 22 years of
managed healthcare experience, Mr. McWaters specializes in organizing
and leading patient-focused service companies. Prior to AMERIGROUP, Mr.
McWaters served as President and CEO for Options Mental Health (now
ValueOptions). Under his leadership, Options developed into a national
behavioral health managed care company serving millions in just four
years. Mr. McWaters formerly held senior executive positions with CIGNA
Healthcare and EQUICOR, where he developed or operated 33 separate HMOs
nationwide over a 14-year period. He began his career as a healthcare
auditor with Ernst & Young. Mr. McWaters currently serves as a Director
of America Service Groups, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASGR) and is a board member of
the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP). He is also a member of
the Board of Visitors of the College of William & Mary and is actively
involved on the advisory boards of the School of Business at William &
Mary, Monarch Bank, Envest Capital, and Young Life. Profile
AMERIGROUP Corporation?
Mr. McWaters: The company was founded in 1994. Our intent from the start
was to be a national
