Washington, DC – The following is a statement from Don Crane, APG President and CEO, on the passing of Leeba Lessin.
“Today we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Leeba Lessin. Leeba was a giant in the growth and development of our nation’s coordinated care industry, first as the founder of the Monarch Healthcare System plan in Santa Barbara, then as the President of PacifiCare Health Systems. Until 2016, she was the President and CEO of CareMore Health, a senior health plan famed for its pioneering use of “high touch” care that improved the lives of thousands and today serves as a model for the very best in healthcare.
“Leeba was a true friend of APG. All of our staff loved her. It was a special treat to read the evaluations of executives at our conferences who listened to her speak and were amazed at her brilliance and the depth of her knowledge of healthcare. In an industry heavily weighted with men, Leeba was a special inspiration to other women healthcare leaders, something we all appreciated.
“She was scheduled to be our next guest on the APG podcast and sent moving apologies just one week ago when we rescheduled to accommodate her failing health. She said she wanted a chance to speak with her colleagues.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends on this very sad day.”
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About America’s Physician Groups
America’s Physician Groups is a not-for-profit, mission-driven association organized to assist accountable physician groups to improve the quality and value of healthcare provided to patients. America’s Physician Groups represents and supports physician groups that assume responsibility for clinically integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated healthcare on behalf of our patients. Visit us at www.apg.org.
Contact: Greg Phillips, APG Director of Communications, 202-770-1901, gphillips@apg.org
