News Release
July, 19 1996

Smedes Named CEO of Medical Services Administration

Robert M. Smedes has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Services Administration (MSA). The appointment was announced today by Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director James K. Haveman, Jr.

"Bob will develop and implement an innovative managed care system for Medicaid-funded services in Michigan," Haveman says. "He will assume the administrative responsibility for the current Medicaid program and manage the integrated health care policy functions of the department. His extensive managed care experience means strong leadership for Michigan's new managed care directions."

Smedes, 50, of Hastings, has a lengthy career in managed care and health care finance. Since January, 1995 Smedes has been MDCH Director of Special Projects, developing and evaluating health systems policy, focusing on the area of outcome performance measures for managed care. He also advised the director on finance, budgeting, and other administrative matters.

A Certified Public Accountant, Smedes earned a BA at Calvin College and pursued graduate studies in business administration at Western Michigan University. He also attended the National Health Care Institute at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health.

Smedes begins his MSA role on July 22.