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Francine Parker was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and Senior Vice President of Insurance-Purchaser Relations for Henry Ford Health System in March 2004. As the leader of one of Michigan's largest, most experienced health plans, Fran's vision is to improve the health of HAP members and the community through benchmark performance in customer service and quality programs, innovative technology and providing affordable access to outstanding doctors and hospitals. Prior to her appointment as President and CEO, Fran was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HAP. The health plan has prospered under Fran's operational leadership and now serves more than one-half million members enrolled in commercial and government programs through HAP and its two subsidiaries, Preferred Health Plan and Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company. Fran began her HAP career in 1978 as one of 14 employees, advancing through the ranks in various positions to her appointment as COO in 1997. When she first joined HAP there were 70,000 members. Her business acumen was instrumental in growing the company to its current size of 900 employees and more than 540,000 members. Fran was a key strategist and negotiator during HAP's acquisition of SelectCare; she spearheaded the successful integration of SelectCare into HAP operations. Since HAP is a subsidiary of the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS), Fran plays an important role in collaborating with HFHS leaders in the areas of primary care services, third party contracting and in improving the quality of services that HAP members receive. A champion for professional development and business literacy, Fran teamed with system leaders to establish Leadership HFHS and HAP mentoring programs. Fran demonstrates keen leadership in the Michigan legislative arena, and is considered a voice for affordable, quality health care. Recognized by industry colleagues for her strategic and legislative skills, Fran was named President of the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) in January 2004. Community involvement and service is one of Fran's penchants. She has served on the board of directors of many organizations. Fran's honors include the Ellis J. Bonner Outstanding Achievement Award (2001) for her commitment and dedication to Michigan health plans, Grant Thornton's Executive Woman of the Year award (1999) and the Sojourner Truth Foundation Award for efforts in the professional development and mentoring of women (1998). Fran was twice named among Crain's 100 Influential Business Women, most recently in 2002, and among Crain's Top 100 Executive Heroes in 1995. She also received the Detroit Regional Chamber Leadership Detroit 2002 Leadership Challenge Award. A native Detroiter, Fran received a bachelor's degree in business from Siena Heights University. She graduated from the prestigious executive education program, Leadership at the Peak, with the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado. Business Week ranked it number one in the 2001 Executive Education nondegree programs in the country. She also is a graduate of Leadership Detroit XV. | 