I am excited to share my professional biography, which highlights my 38 years of experience in insurance, financial services, and product distribution. My journey with AmeriLife has taken me from agent to senior executive, where I have had the privilege of leading teams, developing products, and shaping strategies that drive growth and impact. I am passionate about applying my knowledge and leadership to help organizations thrive.

I’m proud to share my professional biography, which captures my journey, values, and vision for the future of healthcare. Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working across every layer of the industry, from provider relations and claims management to leading transformative organizations. Today, as Founder and CEO of Unity Preferred Network, my mission remains the same: to drive fairness, transparency, and meaningful change in healthcare.

I am honored to share my professional biography, which reflects more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, finance, and executive leadership. My career has been defined by building high-performing teams, scaling organizations, and driving transformative growth while staying true to my personal mission of treating others with fairness and respect.

After over two decades of service in the healthcare sector—from the bedside to the boardroom—I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the journey, the growth, and the mission that continues to drive me. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to lead, serve, and advocate for communities and caregivers alike. Here is my biography.

Eric Lloyd is a visionary healthcare executive with over two decades of experience leading strategic transformation across public, private, and digital health sectors. Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and forge impactful provider partnerships, Eric has consistently delivered operational excellence and financial growth in roles ranging from CEO of multibillion-dollar health plans to strategic advisor for emerging, venture-backed companies. His leadership has shaped value-based care models, reduced healthcare costs, and advanced innovations in maternal health, behavioral health, and primary care. With a strong foundation in health administration and a passion for improving community outcomes, Eric continues to redefine how healthcare organizations deliver meaningful, measurable results.

Mary Cantu is a seasoned healthcare executive with over two decades of experience leading global market access, reimbursement strategy, and health policy across the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Renowned for her ability to navigate complex regulatory and payer landscapes, she has successfully developed and executed comprehensive access strategies that drive product adoption, secure favorable coverage and coding, and expand patient access across domestic and international markets. With a proven track record of aligning cross-functional teams around clear, value-based goals, Mary brings strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to healthcare innovation to every stage of the product lifecycle.

Sejal Jonas, PharmD, RPh, is a visionary healthcare executive with over three decades of experience shaping payer strategy, formulary management, and market access for some of the nation’s leading pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations. Known for her deep clinical knowledge, strategic acumen, and commitment to improving health outcomes, Sejal brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between innovation and execution. Her work has empowered brands to thrive in complex regulatory and reimbursement environments, while her leadership continues to influence how healthcare systems deliver value to patients and providers alike.

Laura Freedy is a visionary healthcare executive with more than three decades of experience leading innovation at the intersection of clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and payer-provider collaboration. Known for her integrity, strategic foresight, and commitment to driving meaningful change, Laura has held senior leadership roles across major healthcare organizations, including UnitedHealth Group, Optum, and HTC Global Services. Her ability to align business objectives with clinical and technological solutions has consistently delivered improved health outcomes and operational performance. Passionate about service and mentorship, Laura is now focused on board service where she can share her expertise and guide organizations toward impactful, sustainable growth.

Patrick Speer is a purpose-driven healthcare executive with a strong track record of leading Medicare strategy, growth, and operations across some of the nation's most innovative health plans. With experience spanning finance, analytics, and executive leadership, he has consistently advanced Medicare Advantage, Dual Eligible, and Group Medicare products with a focus on improving outcomes and access for seniors. At the core of Patrick’s work is a deep commitment to simplifying healthcare and building systems that prioritize people, especially the most vulnerable. His leadership is grounded in data, driven by mission, and powered by a belief that better care starts with trust, clarity, and compassion.

Matthew C. Hedberg is a seasoned State Government Affairs and Health Policy Executive with 27 years of experience shaping legislative and regulatory landscapes across consumer brands, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology. A trusted strategist and corporate advocate, he has successfully led high-stakes negotiations, influenced critical policy decisions, and built lasting relationships with policymakers, executives, and industry leaders. His expertise spans state and federal healthcare policies, market access, economic development, and corporate governance, making him a vital asset for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments. Known for his integrity, strategic foresight, and ability to drive consensus, Matthew leverages his deep knowledge and communication skills to align business objectives with policy initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and industry leadership.

Rudy Pearce is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with a proven track record in managed markets, government accounts, and sales leadership. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully led teams, negotiated high-impact contracts, and expanded market access for critical therapies. His expertise spans commercial and government healthcare sectors, where he has driven formulary wins, launched new products, and strengthened partnerships across PBMs, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Defense. Recognized nationally for his leadership and strategic vision, Rudy is a results-driven professional dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and driving organizational success.

Thomas Tutaj, MBA, CHC, CHPC, is a seasoned compliance and business operations leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, insurance, and financial management. Known for his integrity and commitment to fostering ethical practices, Thomas has a proven track record of designing and implementing effective compliance programs across Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care environments. His strategic vision, combined with deep regulatory expertise, enables him to align compliance initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring both operational excellence and regulatory adherence. A skilled communicator and relationship builder, Thomas leverages his leadership to drive business success while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

Michael Braham is a visionary leader with a remarkable ability to drive organizational transformation and strategic growth across diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, and telecommunications. With a distinguished career spanning executive roles at leading organizations such as CareSource, Magellan Health, and Trapollo, Michael has consistently delivered innovative solutions, high-performance teams, and sustainable profitability. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Michael combines military precision with corporate agility, having pioneered advancements in telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and behavioral health services for underserved communities. His thought leadership and crisis management expertise, recognized by accolades like the ‘2021 Leader in Technology, Connected Health,’ continue to shape industries and inspire future leaders. Through his dedication to servant leadership and strategic foresight, Michael has left an indelible mark on every organization he has served.

Dr. Von A. Grubbs, PsyD, is a distinguished clinical psychologist and healthcare management executive with extensive experience in optimizing Medicaid and Medicare programs. Specializing in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health integration, and value-based care models, Dr. Grubbs has a proven track record of driving quality improvements and cost reductions across the healthcare spectrum. Throughout his career, he has successfully led cross-functional teams, developed innovative healthcare programs, and managed multi-million dollar budgets, consistently delivering results that enhance patient outcomes and healthcare affordability.

I’m excited to share a bit about my journey as a healthcare executive with over forty years of experience in the field. My career has been dedicated to driving transformation in healthcare management, focusing on provider relations, network development, and strategic planning. In my current role as an Account Executive at Aspire Partners USA, I’m passionate about enhancing business efficiency and profitability through tailored B2B solutions. My previous positions at Aetna and Coventry Health Care have allowed me to lead impactful initiatives in managed care, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, and strategic partnerships. My deep knowledge of healthcare systems and my strategic approach to problem-solving continue to guide my work, and I’m committed to advancing healthcare delivery and improving outcomes.

Happy to share my journey in healthcare financial management! With a foundation built on integrity and deep expertise in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, I strive to drive excellence and optimize financial outcomes for healthcare facilities. I excel in strategic planning and effective communication, translating complex insights into actionable strategies that foster operational efficiency and growth. Connect with me to explore how we can navigate healthcare's financial landscape together.