Seattle-based health care data company Opala is hiring Ken Chandler as its new CEO.
Chandler spent more than 20 years with the Mountlake Terrace-based health insurance company Premera Blue Cross, and he's worked in health care for more than 30 years, according to Opala. He begins with the company at the start of July and will replace interim CEO John Wray, who is taking a position on the company's board.
"I'm joining the team because of the potential Opala has to make fundamental changes in health care," Chandler said in a news release. "I have seen a lot of innovation in health care, and Opala stood out as a company that can provide greater efficiency and better outcomes for patients."
Chandler's most recent role at Premera Blue Cross was senior vice president of national accounts. Opala said he managed an $8.9 billion business portfolio in that role. Chandler was in the role for more than eight years, according to his LinkedIn page.
Opala was founded in 2020. The company's technology is aimed at making health care data more accessible for providers and payers, with the goal of creating a smoother experience for patients. Opala's curated data includes claims, labs and pharmacy records. The company also makes provider networks and demographics available for consumers.
"Interoperability is vital for creating a sustainable, effective health care system," Richard Cooper, former CEO of the Everett Clinic and an Opala adviser, said in a news release. "I share the enthusiasm about what Opala is building. The company is well positioned with Ken at the helm to improve the way payers and providers collaborate to deliver patient-centered, value-based care."
Opala isn't the only health care technology company to find a new CEO recently. Earlier this month, Kirkland-based Freespira, which makes technology aimed at treating panic attacks and panic disorder, named Joseph Perekupka as its CEO. Perekupka was previously the chief commercial officer at the Milwaukee-based life sciences consulting company Eversana.
