Independence Health Group Appoints Kelly Munson as New CEO and President

Independence Health Group Welcomes Kelly A. Munson as New CEO

In a significant leadership transition, Independence Health Group has announced the appointment of Kelly A. Munson as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Munson takes over from Gregory E. Deavens, who has decided to retire after an impactful tenure that began in 2021.

As the current President and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas, a subsidiary of Independence Health Group, Munson brings a wealth of experience to her new role. During her time at AmeriHealth Caritas, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to communities, a mantra she intends to carry over to her leadership at Independence Health Group.

Charles Pizzi, Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence in Munson’s capabilities, stating, "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." This endorsement reflects the thorough national search conducted by the Board of Directors to ensure they found a leader who aligns with the organization’s mission and future goals.

In her acceptance of the new role, Munson emphasized her honor to serve during this pivotal moment in the organization’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," she stated.

Munson’s extensive background in the healthcare sector spans more than 25 years and includes leadership positions at Aetna Medicaid, a subsidiary of CVS Health, and WellCare Health Plans. Her diverse expertise includes both commercial insurance and government programs. Her experience equips her uniquely for leading Independence Health Group through the complexities of the healthcare landscape today.

In terms of transition, Deavens will remain with Independence Health Group until December to ensure a smooth leadership handover. Reflecting on Munson’s appointment, Deavens remarked, "Kelly has already made substantial contributions to Independence Health Group, and I am thrilled that she will succeed me as President and CEO. She is an innovative and collaborative leader, and her expertise in business operations is perfectly complemented by her unwavering dedication to our mission."

As the organization looks toward the future, Munson has expressed eagerness to collaborate with leadership teams across Independence Health Group and its subsidiaries. "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 crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem, serving over 7.1 million individuals across 32 states and the District of Columbia. The company has over 14,000 employees dedicated to improving the communities they serve.

Looking ahead, Munson remarked on upholding a legacy of civic leadership and a heartfelt commitment to community improvement. "Independence Health Group will continue its legacy of civic leadership and our decades-long commitment to the enhancement of the communities we serve,” she stated.

As Munson steps into this new role, all eyes will be on her leadership as Independence Health Group navigates an evolving healthcare landscape. Her track record and vision may indeed propel the company toward further successes, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and equitable for all.