Cox HealthPlans CEO to retire at year's end

A longtime CoxHealth executive and current president and CEO of Cox HealthPlans has put in motion plans to retire at year's end.

Jeff Bond joined the health system in 1993 as director of the Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, was a key member of launching Cox HealthPlans in 1995 and was named president of the Springfield-based insurance provider in 2002, according to a news release.

His successor is Matt Aug, Cox HealthPlans' current chief operating officer who will take the helm Jan. 1.

“Succession planning is an extremely important aspect of my job and over the years I have been preparing Matt Aug to be my successor in retirement," Bond said in the release. "I am honored to have been involved in the installation of a local provider-based health insurance, and I am extremely proud to lead a great group of talented individuals.”

Aug joined Cox HealthPlans in 2005 and was named COO in 2013. CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards applauded Bond's work to transition Aug into the top role.

"The Cox HealthPlans Board of Directors is confident in Matt Aug’s ability to continue the innovative path paved by Jeff and excited for the smooth transition in leadership at Cox HealthPlans. This early planning and preparation of a transition in management is evidence of the level of commitment both Jeff and Matthew have to the members served by Cox HealthPlans," Edwards said in the release.

An 85-employee affiliate of CoxHealth, Cox HealthPlans provides insurance solutions to nearly 47,000 members in a 25-county service area in southwest Missouri, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]