Wendy Barnes Joins Rite Aid as Group Vice President of Managed Care

Published on Monday, 09 January 2012 09:47 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

CAMP HILL, Pa.-( Business Wire )-

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) announced today that Wendy Barnes, a managed care executive with more than 17 years experience in contract negotiations, new business development and hospital administration, is joining Rite Aid as Group Vice President of Managed Care.

In this position, Barnes will be responsible for all aspects of managed care, including contracting, maintaining relationships with managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and third-party payers and developing new strategic partnerships. Barnes will report directly to Chris Hall, Rite Aid Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Services.

“Wendy is a veteran of the managed care industry, and we are excited about the extensive knowledge and experience she is bringing to Rite Aid,” said Hall. “Her expertise will be an invaluable resource as the company executes its managed care strategy in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.”

Prior to joining Rite Aid, since February 2009, Barnes served as a pharmacy contracting and new business development director for Premier Healthcare Alliance, servicing 2,500 hospitals and 78,000 alternate site members. While at Premier Healthcare Alliance, she served as a member of the specialty pharmacy acquisition team and established a first-of-its-kind prescription drug savings program for Oregon state employees. Barnes has also held several hospital administration positions while serving as an active duty Medical Service Corps Officer in the United States Air Force including Vice President of Managed Care, Vice President of Supply Chain and Chief Resource Management and Financial Officer.

Barnes holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the United States Air Force Academy.

Rite Aid is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with approximately 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia with fiscal 2011 annual revenues of $25.2 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through Rite Aid’s website at www.riteaid.com.

Rite Aid CorporationINVESTORS:Matt Schroeder, 717-214-8867or investor@riteaid.comorMEDIA:Ashley Flower, 717-975-5718