Who Is Verda?
VERDA Healthcare is a new Medicare Advantage Plan launched by a passionate, purpose-driven group of experienced healthcare professionals committed to the idea that healthcare should be easily and equitably accessed by all. It is designed for people 65 and older who live in predominantly underserved, ethnic communities across the United States, especially Asian-American, Hispanic-American and Arab-American communities.
Founders & Board Members
Frank S. Vo
CEO, Cofounder/Board Member
Mr. Vo has extensive experience as a CEO, CFO, and COO in various HMO plans featuring Chronic Special Needs Programs in Southern California. He co-launched and founded three Medicare health plans: Honored Citizens Choice Health Plan, Easy Choice Health Plan, and Astiva Health. In addition to overseeing health plan operations, he served as an executive sponsor and program manager for multiple healthcare managed outsourcing and software development organizations, including Vitech Inc., Ika Systems, and Cognizant/Trizetto. Mr. Vo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Econometrics with a specialization in Business Administration and Computing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
VIET T. DAO, M.D
Cofounder/Board Chair
THINH H. TRAN, M.D., MBA
Cofounder/Board Treasurer
Dr. Tran has served as President and COO for Provider Network Solution; was COO and Chief Clinical Officer for the University of Miami health System; Chief Medical, Quality Officer and Vice President at Baptist Health South Florida; Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, and Medical Director for the Southwest Region at Aetna.
HENRIETTE RIEFFEL, M.S., P.E.
Cofounder/Board Member
A structural engineer and a real estate entrepreneur, she was senior project manager for large utility projects and served as an expert witness in construction defect and storm damages for City of Burbank, Carter Burgess, AIG, EFI, USAA, Town of Greenwich, and Connecticut Utility Commission. Founded Maritimus Mundo, now a multi-million-dollar real estate company with branches in California, Connecticut, Florida, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Spain.
JAMES T. KIM, M.D.
Cofounder/Board Secretary
Dr. Kim is an expert cardiologist at his practices in both National City and Chula Vista. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Society of Echocardiography. Dr. Kim has published many papers on his work and lectures to physicians, residents and medical students.
JOSE PELAYO, DC
Board Member
An entrepreneurial executive with a 30+ years successful history of developing and operationalizing innovative business models, organizational structures, and strategic plans in the health care industry. Dr. Pelayo received Doctorate degree from New York Chiropractic College in 1986. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Provider Network Solutions, LLC. (PNS) in Florida. He also serves as the board chairman of PNS-PR servicing Puerto Rico market.
Executive Team
Frank S. Vo
CEO, Cofounder/Board Member
Mr. Vo has extensive experience as a CEO, CFO, and COO in various HMO plans featuring Chronic Special Needs Programs in Southern California. He co-launched and founded three Medicare health plans: Honored Citizens Choice Health Plan, Easy Choice Health Plan, and Astiva Health. In addition to overseeing health plan operations, he served as an executive sponsor and program manager for multiple healthcare managed outsourcing and software development organizations, including Vitech Inc., Ika Systems, and Cognizant/Trizetto. Mr. Vo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Econometrics with a specialization in Business Administration and Computing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
DOROTHY CHAN, MBA
Chief Operating Officer
DR. TRI TONG
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Tong has served in numerous leadership roles for several managed healthcare systems, including Regal Medical Group, Memorial Care, and Adventist HealthCare. His clinical practice in emergency medicine has included positions at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, UCSD Medical Center, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. Dr. Tong was the editor of the Medical Toxicology and Pharmacology Journal for Vituity/CEP America, and medical director for Critical Care Transport Nurses, Inc. He has also provided expert legal opinions and consultation for the CA Board of Osteopathic Medicine, CA Department of Consumer Affairs, and the CA DOJ.
HOWARD SANER
Senior Vice President, Operations
Ronald McGinnis
Vice President, Compliance and Privacy
Mr. McGinnis brings over 25 years of expertise in overseeing healthcare operations, compliance, and regulatory affairs. With a rich professional background that includes leadership roles at prominent health plans like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Blue Shield of CA, CalOptima, and Molina Healthcare, Mr. McGinnis has demonstrated proficiency in managing various facets of the healthcare industry. He is recognized as a subject matter expert and accomplished speaker, particularly in the areas of Commercial and Medicare Appeals & Grievance Member processes, OIG Integrity Agreement Management, Account Management, and Strategic Initiatives. Mr. McGinnis holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and is a Certified Healthcare Insurance Executive with AHIP.
Saoul Salazar
Director, Sales and Marketing
With more than three decades of sales expertise, Mr. Salazar has dedicated the past 18 years to the Medicare Advantage sector. Notably, he devoted 17 years to Cigna Healthcare, commencing as a telephonic sales agent and progressing to the role of Director of Sales for the Texas and Oklahoma regions. In this capacity, he oversaw the entirety of the Broker Sales channel and managed Cigna’s employed field sales agents. Mr. Salazar played a crucial role in shaping plan designs and executing effective marketing programs. He earned his BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University.