Health care policy pro Jennifer Carusetta to serve as HSAA’s first executive director
PHOENIX (December 2, 2015) – A new advocacy organization that will represent the interests of Arizona’s health care industry launched today with the backing of the state’s largest health care systems, and has tapped a veteran of Arizona health care policy to helm the group.
The Health System Alliance of Arizona (HSAA) will represent the broad offerings of today’s vertically integrated health care providers. The HSAA’s founding members are Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth and Tenet Healthcare, which together employ 65,000 Arizonans.
Jennifer Carusetta, who is well known throughout Arizona’s health care policy community, will serve as the HSAA’s executive director. Carusetta is a seasoned public policy professional who has held high level positions in Arizona state government, most recently as the lead legislative liaison at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), one of the nation’s most respected Medicaid programs, where she spent eight years representing the agency at the state Legislature.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead the HSAA as we embark in shaping public policy in a way that improves health care outcomes and encourages the health care industry to continue to thrive in Arizona,” Carusetta said. “I look forward to strengthening relationships at all levels of government on behalf of an industry that is such a major contributor to our state’s competitiveness and quality of life.”
Banner Health President and CEO Peter Fine will serve as the HSAA’s first chairman. In addition to Fine, the HSAA’s directors are:
- Reginald M. Ballantyne III, FACHE, Senior Strategic Advisor, Tenet Healthcare Corporation
- Linda Hunt, President and CEO, Dignity Health, Arizona Service Area
- Tom Sadvary, CEO, HonorHealth
“Health care looks much different today than it did just a few years ago, and we need a voice to reflect this evolving landscape,” Fine said. “The HSAA will be the entity that unites the state’s largest health care deliverers under one umbrella before lawmakers, state agencies and other key decision-makers.”
Comprising more than just hospitals, the HSAA will represent all segments of an industry that comprises nearly 20 percent of Arizona’s economy, including physicians, nurses, labs, surgical centers, pharmacies, insurance plans, rehabilitation centers, home health, academic medicine and much more.
Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer said he is looking forward to working with the HSAA to help elevate the health care industry’s status as a job creator in the state.
“The Chamber is committed to influencing public policy in way that makes Arizona the best place to grow a business, invest and create jobs,” Hamer said. “A robust health care industry is very important to our state’s economic success, which is why we’re so excited to see the HSAA form. I congratulate the HSAA on its launch and I am confident that it will be a positive force at the state Capitol.”
Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson also hailed the HSAA’s launch.
“The ACA is pleased to welcome the Health System Alliance of Arizona as a unified voice for the health care industry in Arizona, a coalition comprised of four of Arizona’s largest employers,” Watson said. “A robust health care system enhances Arizona’s competitiveness and strengthens our statewide economy by helping attract quality employers to our state. We look forward to working closely with the Alliance to ensure a vibrant future for Arizona’s health care industry.”
The HSAA can be found online at hsaaz.com.