Independence Health Group Announces Kelly Munson as President and CEO

Munson will assume the position October 1, and will continue to serve in an oversight role at AmeriHealth Caritas

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Independence Health Group announced today that Kelly A. Munson will succeed Gregory E. Deavens as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective October 1, 2025. Deavens, who assumed the CEO role in 2021, announced his planned retirement in January. Munson currently serves as President and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas, a jointly owned subsidiary of Independence Health Group. 

"Kelly is a savvy and experienced health care leader, grounded in a deep commitment to affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care for all the communities we serve — both regionally and nationally," said Charles Pizzi, Chairman of the Board of Independence Health Group. "She has had a significant impact as President and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas, and she knows Independence Health Group well even as she brings an outside perspective from her decades of leadership on the national stage."

Munson's selection followed an extensive national search and reflects the Board's ongoing confidence in her executive leadership. In addition to her role as President and CEO of Independence Health Group, she will maintain an oversight role at AmeriHealth Caritas, ensuring continuity and organizational alignment. 

"I am honored to continue my service in this new capacity, especially at this pivotal moment in Independence Health Group's history. While I am aware of the challenges facing the health care industry, I also believe we have unprecedented opportunities to innovate our operations and advance our mission — always guided by our commitment to helping people access the quality health care they need," said Munson. "I am grateful for the confidence of the Board of Directors, and I want to sincerely thank Greg Deavens, as well as Tricia Keith and the leadership at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, for their support."

Munson became CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas in February 2024, having previously served as President of Aetna Medicaid, a CVS Health company. Prior to Aetna, Munson was Executive Vice President and Chief Medicaid Officer of WellCare Health Plans. Her more than 25 years of health care industry experience spans commercial insurance as well as government programs. 

"Kelly has already made substantial contributions to Independence Health Group, and I am thrilled that she will succeed me as President and CEO," said Deavens. "She is an innovative and collaborative leader, and her expertise in business operations is perfectly complemented by her unwavering dedication to our mission. Kelly will continue to empower and uplift our communities, and advocate for affordable, accessible, and equitable health care for all the members we serve."

Deavens will remain with Independence Health Group through December to support the leadership transition. 

"We want to thank Greg for all he has accomplished during his tenure as President and CEO, and for his ongoing work to support a seamless transition for our associates, members, and our state and community partners," said Pizzi. "This is an exciting moment for our companies, and a positive development as we embrace a bold vision for the future. I would like to express my deep appreciation to the members of the Board's Search Committee, who worked tirelessly to assess the needs of our company and find a leader that will propel Independence Health Group toward continued success in the future."

Independence Health Group, through its subsidiaries, serves more than 7.1 million people in 32 states as well as the District of Columbia and has more than 14,000 employees.

"As we look toward the future, I am incredibly eager to continue working with the leadership teams across Independence Health Group and its subsidiaries to grow the entire enterprise through this transformative period in health care — with the end goal of ensuring quality health care for all," said Munson. "Independence Health Group plays a vital role in the health care of the Philadelphia region and beyond, and that will never change. We will continue our legacy of civic leadership and our decades-long, heartfelt commitment to the improvement of the communities we serve."

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SOURCE Independence Health Group