NJ Association of Health Plans Announces New Board Officers and GA Director

On Jan 26, 2024

The New Jersey Association of Health Plans (NJAHP) Board recently voted on a new slate of executive board members for 2024, and has appointed Alex Arnold as the organization’s new director of government affairs.

John Fuller of Horizon has been elected chair of the Board. The NJAHP board officers are as follows:

1. Chair – John Fuller, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
2. Vice Chair – Alison Birzon, Cigna
3. Secretary – Jill Squiers, AmeriHealth
4. Treasurer – Pat Gillespie, Wellpoint
5. Legislative Chair – Mishael Azam, UnitedHealth Group
6. Medicaid Chair – Brendan Peppard, Fidelis Care NJ
7. Dental Chair – Alicia Palombo, Aetna

John Fuller has served on the NJAHP board since 2022. He is currently director of government affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, where he represents Horizon BCBSNJ before the New Jersey Legislature and various New Jersey departments and agencies. Prior to his current role, John served as the strategic planning manager and administrative manager for Horizon Healthcare Innovations, a division of Horizon BCBSNJ.

“John’s background in government and healthcare innovation has served him well in representing Horizon and serving on the NJAHP Board. His voice is respected throughout New Jersey. He will be a great leader for NJAHP,” Sanders said.

“It is an honor to be a part of this important organization, especially at this critical time as New Jersey focuses on retaining health coverage growth in Medicaid and the health insurance exchange,” said Fuller. “I look forward to working with the other NJAHP members to make sure citizens have access to quality, affordable health coverage.”

Before joining Horizon BCBSNJ, Fuller served as assistant commissioner for legislation, regulation and multi-modal services at the New Jersey Department of Transportation, served on the Motor Vehicle Commission, and was a top aide to United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg upon his return to the Senate in 2003. He is also a veteran of numerous political campaigns and has been on the staff of multiple committees in the New Jersey State Assembly.

In other NJAHP news, Alex Arnold recently joined NJAHP as director of government affairs. In his role, Arnold is responsible for advocacy and education on healthcare issues on behalf of NJAHP member plans. He reports to NJAHP President Ward Sanders.

“Alex is a great addition to our staff, and I look forward to partnering with him to serve our members,” said Sanders.

“I am excited and honored to be a part of NJAHP during a period when our state is actively working to make quality healthcare accessible and more affordable for the working families of New Jersey,” said Arnold. “I look forward to working with our member plans to bolster and sustain this crucial effort.”

Prior to the NJAHP, Arnold worked in public affairs for Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G). Before that, he worked as an aide for Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Arnold earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University in political science and minor in labor studies, while attaining Summa Cum Laude honors. He also completed the undergraduate associates program in politics and government from the Eagleton Institute of Politics, during which time he interned for Governor Phil Murphy, then-Assemblyman Jack Citarelli, and then-Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck.

Arnold was born and raised in Monmouth County and currently resides in Freehold.

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