Sonya Nelson
The Volunteer State Health Plan Board of Directors has promoted Sonya Nelson to president and chief executive officer. The promotion follows Ms. Nelson’s three years of experience as VSHP’s vice president, where she was responsible for daily oversight of the company’s administration of Tennessee’s Medicaid program.
As CEO, Ms. Nelson will be responsible for the continuing administration of not only VSHP’s Medicaid operations, but also the management of several Cover Tennessee programs, which are designed to provide affordable health care options to uninsured Tennesseans. Additionally, she will lead VSHP’s national Medicaid growth strategy.
“Volunteer State Health Plan has a rich history of exceptional service to both its government clients, individual beneficiaries and members,” said Ms. Nelson. “I’m honored to lead this company and the great employees that make it a leader in the government health care service sector.”
Ms. Nelson began her career at VSHP’s parent company BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in 1997 as a senior manager of provider networks. Within a year she was promoted to regional director of provider networks and contracting, and she spent the next six years leading the Tri-Cities area from BlueCross’ Knoxville office.
Prior to joining BlueCross, she was employed for more than a decade by Humana Inc., where she focused on statewide recruitment and contracting of physicians, hospitals and ancillary providers.
Ms. Nelson is a graduate of Auburn University and a member of the Medical Group Management Association and the TennCare Medical Care Advisory Committee.
She and her husband reside in Chattanooga with their two sons.