Priority Health Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Priority Health has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, executive leadership, healthcare innovation, and clinical medical oversight.

Focused on expanding access to quality care across Michigan, Priority Health delivers comprehensive insurance solutions while driving transparency and product innovation for over one million members annually.

Leadership Roles at Priority Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Freed
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Joan Budden
  • Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science - Ines Md
  • Chief Medical Officer - Dr Richard Vienne
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer - Elif Oker
  • Michael Freed - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Freed, the Chief Executive Officer at Priority Health, directs the overarching corporate strategy and financial stability of the organization. Overseeing the long-term growth trajectory, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the health plan maintains its position as a market leader in Michigan. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with employer groups and regulatory bodies to guarantee sustainable insurance options. By prioritizing operational efficiency and member-centric service, Michael Freed directly influences the quality of care provided to over one million individuals. Freed manages the allocation of resources across the entire portfolio of Medicare and Medicaid plans, ensuring that the company remains responsive to evolving healthcare demands. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal health and strategic partnerships, Freed secures the future of the organization while maintaining a commitment to affordable, high-quality coverage for all members within the regional network.

    Joan Budden - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Joan Budden, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Priority Health, architects the mission-driven initiatives that define the company's market presence. Leading the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of transparency and product innovation across all insurance segments. This role involves aligning internal operations with the needs of Michigan residents, ensuring that the health plan remains a trusted partner for primary care physicians and patients alike. Joan Budden drives the expansion of service offerings, focusing on the integration of new benefits that address the diverse requirements of employer groups and individual members. By championing excellence in customer service, Budden elevates the standard of care throughout the regional network. Ultimately, Budden shapes the strategic vision that allows the organization to navigate the competitive insurance landscape while maintaining a steadfast focus on improving health outcomes for the entire member base.
    Joan Budden

    Ines Md - Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science

    Ines Md, the Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science at Priority Health, directs the application of advanced analytics to improve clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. Overseeing the development of data-driven health solutions, the Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science transforms raw information into actionable insights for the broader organization. This leadership role involves collaborating with clinical teams to identify trends in patient care and implementing innovative technologies that streamline the member experience. Ines Md manages the research and development of new digital tools that support the company's commitment to transparency and quality. By leveraging data science to optimize health plan performance, Md ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Through the strategic application of predictive modeling and health informatics, Md enhances the effectiveness of insurance products, ultimately driving better health results for the entire Michigan member population.

    Dr Richard Vienne - Chief Medical Officer

    Dr Richard Vienne, the Chief Medical Officer at Priority Health, directs the clinical strategy and medical policy framework for the organization. Overseeing the broad network of primary care physicians, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all health benefits align with evidence-based medical standards. This role involves managing clinical quality programs and coordinating with healthcare providers to maintain high levels of patient care across Michigan. Dr Richard Vienne drives initiatives that improve health outcomes for Medicare and Medicaid populations, focusing on preventative care and chronic disease management. By evaluating medical necessity and promoting clinical transparency, Vienne supports the company's mission to provide affordable, quality coverage. Through constant engagement with the medical community, Vienne fosters collaborative relationships that strengthen the provider network. Ultimately, Vienne ensures that clinical operations remain robust, efficient, and centered on the well-being of every member served by the health plan.

    Elif Oker - Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

    Elif Oker, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Priority Health, directs the strategic implementation of clinical programs designed to enhance member health and wellness. Overseeing the integration of specialized care pathways, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization delivers high-value medical services to diverse member groups. This leadership role involves managing the intersection of clinical operations and product development, ensuring that insurance offerings reflect the latest advancements in medical practice. Elif Oker drives the adoption of innovative care models that improve access to primary care physicians throughout the region. By monitoring clinical performance metrics and quality benchmarks, Oker maintains the integrity of the health plan's medical offerings. Through active collaboration with the executive team, Oker aligns clinical goals with the company's broader mission of transparency and service excellence, ensuring that every member receives consistent, high-quality support for their healthcare needs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Priority Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Priority Health?
    Priority Health is led by Michael Freed (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joan Budden (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Ines Md (Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science).
    Who is part of Priority Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Priority Health includes leaders such as Michael Freed (Chief Executive Officer), Joan Budden (President & Chief Executive Officer), Ines Md (Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Priority Health have?
    Priority Health has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Priority Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Priority Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Innovation & Data Science, Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.